Conte lauds Richarlison’s versatility after dream Champions League debut

Antonio Conte hailed Richarlison’s versatility after the Brazilian opened his Tottenham account with a brace to seal a 2-0 Champions League win over Marseille on Wednesday.

Spurs took full advantage of Chancel Mbemba’s red card as Richarlison twice headed past Pau Lopez inside the final 15 minutes, ensuring Conte’s men won their opening match in a Champions League campaign for only the second time.

Richarlison became the 39th Brazilian to score on his debut in the competition, the most of any nation, but is the first Brazilian since Oscar in September 2012 to net a brace on his Champions League bow.

The 25-year-old joined from Everton in a £60million deal in July and Conte believes his display was a perfect demonstration of why they signed him.

“First of all, I am happy for Richy,” Conte said in a news conference. “He deserved to have a night like this.

“I remember very well when we signed him, he said he cannot wait to listen to the Champions League music and play in competition. 

“This morning I said I remember what he said and you have your opportunity and chance. I think he did his best.

“We signed him to enhance the quality of team and support our three strikers. Last season when you have a team with Son [Heung-min], Harry [Kane] and Deki [Dejan Kulusevski], we tried to sign a player that was able to play in all three positions.

“For this reason, we didn’t have any doubts about signing him and we did it quickly because our idea and ambition was very clear.

“He is more of a striker than Deki but at same time he can play in the Son position, Kane position, and Deki position. This is very important for sure, as when you make rotation, you don’t drop the quality.”

Spurs travel to champions Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday and Conte acknowledged he will likely have to shuffle his pack, given the tight turnaround.  

“I have a big decision. Honestly, I am a bit worried as we are playing against City in only two days and it is not easy,” he added.

“I think some players need to recover as many have played every game until now. You know very well we have to rotate our team.”