Antonio Conte has joked that he is a "bit worried" about Cristian Romero as Argentina continue to celebrate their World Cup triumph. Defeating France 4-2 on penalties after an incredible 3-3 draw in the showpiece finale last Sunday, there have been some breathtaking scenes in Buenos Aires with millions packing the streets to see their heroes.
The celebrations have continued since then with the players and fans enjoying an incredible few days after Albiceleste got their hands on the trophy for the first time since 1986. Amid question marks over Romero's Tottenham return following the World Cup win, Conte was asked if he'd managed to speak to his player as the partying in Argentina looks like it could continue for a little while longer.
"I’m a bit worried, honestly I am, (laughing) because they are celebrating in an amazing way, to see four million people on the streets… but he has three days more to celebrate and then has to come back and get back into the Tottenham vision because we need our best players to have great motivation," explained the Italian on Friday afternoon.
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"The Premier League will be really difficult and we have a really important game in the Champions League against Milan. The winners and losers have to stay on the same level with great desire and great motivation, because now we are playing for Tottenham and we want the best for Tottenham."
Whereas the World Cup ended in success for Romero as he played a key role in Argentina winning the biggest prize of all, it ended in disappointment for Harry Kane after he missed a penalty in England's quarter-final defeat against France. It was a surreal moment for Conte as he watched Tottenham's No.10 take the spot-kick against club teammate and good friend Hugo Lloris.
"It was really strange because on one side I had Hugo and on the other side I had Harry. But especially with a penalty, to have two teammates, one against the other, was not easy. I think also for the players it was really strange," he admitted.
"When you are used to living every day in the same club, to face each other in a penalty is not easy. The first penalty was good and Hugo was disappointed. The second penalty…it was really strange, the first time I’ve seen two teammates against each other in a penalty situation.
"Your keeper and your striker, one against the other, twice, was really strange. But then I said, ‘Ok what happened happened’. I enjoyed the game. It was one of the best games of the World Cup."
The boss has also made it perfectly clear that there won't be any tension between Kane and Lloris once they are back together on a daily basis at Hotspur Way.
"Impossible. I have a group of really good guys. I am sure Hugo on one side was really happy but on the other side was really sorry for Harry," he stated.
"I am sure about this because we’re talking about two really good, sensible players. In this type of game, one dies and the other lives. No second chances."
Kane's penalty miss will unfortunately stay with him forever, as Chris Waddle, Stuart Pearce and Gareth Southgate can attest to after missing crucial penalties for England in the past. Key to putting it to the back of his mind will be getting back on the pitch for Tottenham and doing what he does best in front of goal.
“For Harry, it’s really important now, but not only for him but all the players who were involved at the World Cup, to put out (of mind) this experience, a fantastic experience. But now you have to be focused on the season because you know very well the season is starting again," said Conte.
“We want to try to do our best. The season will be really difficult because you can see the table. The table in the first to fourth place, there is no United, Liverpool or Chelsea. And for this reason, the players have to be really focused.
“Harry for us is the most important player. We are talking about a world-class striker and he broke every record to score. My expectation is the same, to continue to do it. He’s our striker, he’s an important point of reference for me, for the players, the staff, for the fans. But he’s ready. He’s ready to start again the second part of the season."
He added: "Every player has to have great motivation. If you miss the penalty like Harry or if you lost the final like Hugo but it’s the same for Romero, because he has to come back with great motivation. Sometimes the win makes you relaxed. These are the two faces of the medals.
"For this reason it will be very important to be focused and put the World Cup to one side because this is the past and we are here to try to build the present, and for it to be a good present for us."
Surprising his teammates in the Tottenham dressing room at half-time against Nice on Wednesday evening, Kane was back on the training pitch the following day to prepare for the Boxing Day clash at Brentford. While some managers may have chosen to have a word with the striker, Conte has revealed that he hasn't spoken with Kane about the miss as he knows he's a strong person and he knows the perfect way to respond.
"No honestly," said the boss when asked about if the pair had spoken about what happened. "About my experience, when I was a player. Negative situations happened. You know what happened. It’s not so important to find people to tell you oh don’t worry.
"We are strong. When you play at this level you have to be a strong person. You have to try to address negative events in the right way. Harry is a strong person. I was a strong person when I was a player. For me it’s better not to speak, not to try and justify. We are talking about an important player and they know the way to respond."
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