Tottenham boss Antonio Conte is ‘NOT worried’ about Harry Kane after his penalty miss

Antonio Conte has assured Tottenham fans that he is not worried about Harry Kane’s state of mind as he prepares for the England captain to return to action on Boxing Day.

And he tried to assuage fears about his own long-term future at the Spurs, insisting he was “happy” and enjoying a good relationship with chairman Daniel Levy despite failing to agree on a new contract during the offseason. World Cup.

“We are talking about a world-class striker,” Conte said of Kane. “You know how football is, you can have exciting moments and you can have moments where you’re a little bit disappointed because you missed a penalty.

Harry Kane returned to training this Thursday after 10 days off after the 2022 World Cup

Kane missed England’s second decisive penalty in a 2-1 World Cup quarter-final loss to France

“As a player, I never missed a penalty because I never took it, because I was a real disaster at that, but I lost a World Cup final against Brazil on penalties and I think you live in this moment and you’re really disappointed.

‘During the first period you are sad but you know you have to move on. Soccer gives you other opportunities. We are lucky to do this job. Honestly, I’m not worried about him.

Kane has trained twice since returning to his club after missing a vital penalty in England’s 2-1 World Cup quarter-final defeat against Francefiring over the top when he confronted his Tottenham captain, Hugo Lloris.

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte insists he is not worried about Kane after missing a penalty

Lloris, who lost in the final, is due back in training on Sunday and Fraser Forster will start for Spurs against Brentford on Boxing Day.

Cristian ‘Cuti’ Romero, world champion with Argentina, has been granted a few more days.

“In the final, you can win, you can lose,” Conte said. “On the one hand, we are disappointed, but we are happy for Cuti because it was the first time he became a world champion.”

Spurs will be without Argentina’s World Cup-winning defender Cristian Romero in Brentford

Richarlison returned from the World Cup with a hamstring injury and expected to be out for another four weeks. Lucas Moura is also out, still troubled by the heel problem that has dogged him all season. Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended.

Conte said Spurs would look for reinforcements in the January transfer window, but only if they stick to the usual transfer policy. “Young players, not big salaries,” he said. ‘Players in the club’s vision.’

As for his own future, the Italian was reluctant to reveal details of talks about extending his contract, which expires in June, although there is an option for another year.

Conte was reluctant to reveal details of his contract extension talks with Tottenham.

“What I can say is that I am very happy to work here and I have a very good relationship with the club,” Conte said. ‘We talk every day and try in every situation to find the best solution.

‘We have six months to be together, to enjoy the situation and then we will find the best solution. But I am very happy here. This is very, very important to me.

Tottenham will face their London rival, Brentford, on Boxing Day (12.30pm), when they return to action a few days after the World Cup final.