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Dejan Kulusevski confirms desire to remain at Tottenham Hotspur despite Antonio Conte uncertainty

Kulusevski confirms desire to remain at Spurs
© Reuters
Dejan Kulusevski acknowledges that he wishes to remain at Tottenham Hotspur, regardless of whether Antonio Conte stays in the dugout.

Dejan Kulusevski has insisted that the potential departure of Antonio Conte will not impact his plans to remain at Tottenham Hotspur.

On Saturday, the Spurs head coach launched a verbal attack on his players in the media after they let slip a 3-1 advantage at Southampton to only draw 3-3 at St Mary's.

Conte questioned the character of his players, calling them "selfish", and it has allegedly led to some squad members not wanting to work under the Italian.

As it stands, Conte has remained in his role as head coach, although discussions are said to be ongoing with the club's board over whether he will see out the final three months of his contract.

Kulusevski played 81 minutes of the fixture versus the Saints, being off the pitch for the closing stages of the capitulation, yet the situation regarding Conte could potentially have ramifications for his own future.

Dejan Kulusevski celebrates scoring for Tottenham Hotspur on August 6, 2022© Reuters

The Sweden international is nearing the end of an 18-month loan stay from Juventus, the expectation being that he will stay in North London in the long term.

If the playmaker features on 20 occasions in the Premier League this campaign and Spurs finish in fourth place in the Premier League standings, the club allegedly have an obligation to buy.

Kulusevski has made 16 starts and four substitute outings in the top flight, although his current team are facing fierce pressure to retain hold of the final Champions League spot.

Nevertheless, speaking to reporters while on international duty, Kulusevski has indicated that he has no concerns regarding his own future while speculation persists over Conte.

Dejan Kulusevski in action for Tottenham Hotspur in November 2022© Reuters

Kulusevski said: "Conte situation will not affect the club's buy option for me, absolutely not. I want to stay at Spurs, of course."

In a separate interview with Sky Sports News over Conte's outburst, Kulusevski added: "I know I prepare myself to do as good as I can and that's why I can always look at myself in the mirror.

"Sometimes I know I don't play good enough and I can take responsibility for that, but what he said was for him, they were his words and I respect him a lot."

In his 47 appearances for Spurs since arriving in January 2022, Kulusevski has contributed seven goals and 15 assists in all competitions.

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Written by
Darren Plant

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte pictured on March 11, 2023
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