Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence has opened up about his struggles under former manager Antonio Conte, admitting that the Italian’s lack of trust in him severely affected his confidence.
Spence on His Difficult Spell Under Conte
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Spence detailed the frustration he faced upon joining Spurs, particularly after a successful promotion-winning campaign with Nottingham Forest.
“It wasn’t a nice feeling,” he said. “I arrived at the club feeling really fit, confident, and excited, having just won promotion.
Then it was like hitting a brick wall. It knocked my confidence a little bit—obviously, I’m young. It’s not a nice thing to hear.”
Despite his efforts, Spence felt that Conte was never impressed with his performances. “I felt like no matter what I did, this man was never satisfied with anything,” he explained.
“Even when I was doing the right things, I wondered if that was really the case. Because he wasn’t really one for compliments.”
Lack of Communication With Conte
Spence also revealed that his interactions with Conte were minimal, which only added to his frustration.
“You reach a point where you don’t need validation from a coach anymore,” he said. “You’re just like, ‘Oh.’ I probably only had one conversation with him.”
After struggling for opportunities under Conte, Spence was sent on loan to Rennes and later to Genoa in search of regular playing time.
His comments highlight the difficulties young players often face under managers who may not prioritize their development.
As he looks to revive his career, Spence will be hoping for a fresh start under Tottenham’s current boss, Ange Postecoglou, who has brought a more dynamic approach to the club.
