Introduction

Djed Spence has finally spoken out about his turbulent time at Tottenham Hotspur, revealing that Antonio Conte’s management style “shattered my confidence.” The young right-back, who was once considered one of England’s most promising talents, struggled for game time under the Italian coach. Spence claims that Conte never wanted him at the club, branding him a “club signing” rather than a player he personally approved of.

This shocking revelation sheds light on the challenges young players face when moving to elite clubs under demanding managers. In this article, we’ll dive into Spence’s struggles, Conte’s managerial approach, and how the situation at Tottenham unfolded.

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Djed Spence’s Arrival at Tottenham: A Dream Turned Nightmare

When Djed Spence joined Tottenham in the summer of 2022, expectations were high. Having played a pivotal role in Nottingham Forest’s promotion to the Premier League while on loan from Middlesbrough, Spence was seen as a future star.

However, from the very beginning, Conte made it clear that Spence was not part of his plans. The Italian manager’s infamous comment, referring to Spence as “a club signing,” indicated that he had little faith in the young defender.

This lack of trust meant that Spence saw very limited game time under Conte, making just a handful of substitute appearances before being loaned out to Rennes and later Genoa.

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“That Man Wasn’t Happy About Anything” – Spence Speaks on Conte’s Brutal Approach

Spence recently opened up about his time at Tottenham, stating that Conte’s treatment had a severe impact on his confidence. He described how the Italian manager’s cold demeanor and refusal to play him made him feel unwanted.

“That man wasn’t happy about anything. No matter how hard I trained, no matter what I did, it never seemed enough. My confidence was shattered.”

Conte’s reputation as a strict disciplinarian is well known. He demands absolute commitment and often favors experienced players over young talents. This approach left Spence sidelined, unable to prove himself despite his clear potential.

Why Conte Rejected Spence

There were several reasons why Antonio Conte refused to integrate Spence into his squad:

1. Tactical Fit – Conte prefers wing-backs with extensive top-level experience, making it difficult for a young player like Spence to break into his system.
2. Lack of Trust – Since Spence was a signing pushed by the club rather than personally chosen by Conte, the Italian was reluctant to give him opportunities.
3. Win-Now Mentality – Conte is known for prioritizing immediate success over long-term development, which clashed with Spence’s need for gradual improvement.

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How Spence’s Career Has Unfolded Since Leaving Spurs

After failing to secure a place at Tottenham, Spence was loaned out to Rennes in January 2023. While he showed glimpses of his ability in Ligue 1, injuries hampered his progress. He later moved to Genoa on loan for the 2023-24 season, where he has been working hard to revive his career.

Despite these setbacks, Spence remains determined to prove himself. At just 23 years old, he still has time to develop into the player many believed he could become when he first burst onto the scene.

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The Conte Effect: Other Players Who Struggled Under His Management

Djed Spence is not the first young player to suffer under Antonio Conte’s management. The Italian has a history of overlooking younger talents in favor of more experienced players.

Some notable examples include:

• Kevin De Bruyne & Mohamed Salah – Both players struggled to get opportunities under Conte at Chelsea before leaving and becoming world-class stars elsewhere.
• Romelu Lukaku – Though Lukaku flourished under Conte at Inter Milan, he struggled to fit into the manager’s rigid system during his second spell at Chelsea.
• Tanguy Ndombele – The French midfielder never settled at Tottenham under Conte, eventually being loaned out to Napoli.

Conte’s tough-love approach can produce incredible results with seasoned professionals, but it often comes at the cost of younger players’ development.

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Can Spence Still Succeed in the Premier League?

The big question remains: can Djed Spence still make it in the Premier League despite his difficult Tottenham spell?

Several factors will determine his future success:

1. Finding the Right Manager – A coach who believes in Spence and is willing to nurture his talents could help him regain confidence.
2. Consistent Game Time – Regular minutes at a competitive level are crucial for his development.
3. Improving Tactical Awareness – While his raw ability is undeniable, Spence needs to refine his defensive and positional awareness to thrive at the top level.

If he can overcome these hurdles, there’s no reason why Spence cannot fulfill his potential.

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FAQ Section

1. Why did Antonio Conte not play Djed Spence at Tottenham?

Conte saw Spence as a “club signing” and did not trust him to fit into his tactical system. The Italian manager generally favors experienced players over young prospects.

2. What did Djed Spence say about Antonio Conte?

Spence admitted that Conte’s management “shattered his confidence,” saying that the coach was never satisfied with him, regardless of his efforts in training.

3. Where is Djed Spence playing now?

As of 2024, Spence is on loan at Genoa from Tottenham, trying to regain form and confidence.

4. Has Antonio Conte managed other young players poorly?

Yes. Several young talents, including Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah, struggled under Conte before finding success elsewhere.

5. Can Djed Spence still succeed in the Premier League?

Yes. If he finds the right manager and gets regular playing time, Spence still has the potential to become a top-level right-back.

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Conclusion

Djed Spence’s experience at Tottenham under Antonio Conte was far from ideal. The lack of trust from his manager left him struggling for game time and shattered his confidence. However, at just 23 years old, Spence still has time to bounce back and prove his worth.

Antonio Conte’s no-nonsense approach has worked wonders for certain teams and players, but it has also left a trail of young talents who failed to develop under his guidance. Spence’s story serves as a reminder that not every manager fits every player—and that sometimes, a change of environment is necessary for growth.

Spence’s journey is far from over, and with the right support, he could still fulfill his potential in the Premier League or elsewhere.

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External Backlink

For more insights into Premier League transfers and managerial tactics, visit Sky Sports.

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Wiki Data Table

Player	Djed Spence
Full Name	Diop Tehuti Djed-Hotep Spence
Date of Birth	August 9, 2000
Nationality	English
Position	Right-Back
Current Club	Genoa (on loan from Tottenham)
Previous Clubs	Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest (loan), Rennes (loan)
Notable Achievement	Promotion to Premier League with Nottingham Forest