Matt Doherty: Antonio Conte one of ‘best managers of all time, I hope he stays for a long time at Tottenham’

Former Tottenham player Matt Doherty has leapt to the defence of Spurs boss Antonio Conte.

The 53-year-old called his players “selfish” before adding that the club have won nothing in 20 years under the current ownership.

It has led to widespread speculation that the club could sack the Italian. However, Doherty, who left the club on a free transfer to join Atletico Madrid in January, leapt to the defence of the Italian.

“I hope he stays for a long time at Tottenham,” said Doherty.

“He’s an unbelievable coach, an unbelievable manager. He won’t say anything in the press that he won’t say to his players. He’s completely honest with his players, and has the passion for the whole club.

“For me, I hope Tottenham stick by him and hold onto him for as long as possible. He’s one of the best managers of all time.”

Conte made his comments after his side threw away a two-goal lead against bottom-of-the-table Southampton.

Spurs led 3-1 with 74 minutes on the clock after Ivan Perisic added to earlier strikes from Pedro Porro and Harry Kane.

However, Theo Walcott cut the arrears just three minutes later and James Ward-Prowse fired a stoppage-time penalty to ensure the match finished 3-3 to deny Spurs the three points.

Conte is widely expected to leave his role as Tottenham manager at the end of the season, but his exit could now be expedited.