Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has responded to Richarlison's explosive television interview, calling the Brazil international "selfish".
Richarlison was named as a substitute for Spurs' Champions League exit, with a goalless draw at home to AC Milan sealing their fate after a 1-0 loss at San Siro. After his 20-minute run-out, the former Everton star lamented a "s***" season while making reference to his lack of playing time.
Conte, whose team take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this weekend, argued Richarlison didn't criticise him directly. However, the former Chelsea boss suggested the summer signing had made a mistake with his comments in the light of a frustrating few weeks.
"First of all, I watched the interview of Richarlison. He didn't criticise me," Conte said at his press conference on Friday. "He said his season was s***, and he's right. His season has been not good.
"He had injuries, played and scored in the Champions League and then went to the World Cup and then had a serious injury. He's scored no goals for us. I think he was really honest to say his season was not good. His season has not finished yet. If he deserves to play, I'll give him the opportunity."
Since returning from the World Cup, Richarlison has not found the net for his club. He last scored in a Champions League win over Marseille back in the autumn, and was part of the side eliminated from the FA Cup by Sheffield United.
Should Richarlison start this weekend? Have your say in the comments section.
"For the rest of the interview, I think he (Richarlison) made a mistake," Spurs' manager continued. "When you speak of 'I' and not 'us', you are being selfish.
"I say to my players, 'if we want to build something important and win a trophy, we have to speak with 'we' not with 'I'', because otherwise you're thinking of yourself.
"He made a mistake and he apologised and it was good for me to clarify with the team again about this. In this aspect, we have to improve. We have to be more of a team and show more spirit positive, especially in negative moments."
Spurs remain fourth ahead of this weekend's game, but Liverpool and Newcastle below them have games in hand. Opponents Forest sit down in 14th, just four points above the relegation spots, and Conte will be desperate for victory to keep his side in top-four contention.
"Sometimes, it's not enough to be a good guy," the manager said ahead of the fixture. "You have to to show the right desire and fight to win the game and the duels, to be nasty. I think that sometimes we are a bit soft, but I'm the coach and I'm the first responsible for this to happen, and it doesn't happen every time.
"I have to improve the team and I have to improve the spirit of my team. It always happened in the past and I hope it happens here."
