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Antonio previews Morecambe: "We don't want to take a risk"

Sat 08 January 2022, 15:15|Tottenham Hotspur

Antonio Conte knows all about the FA Cup.

He’s twice played in the competition during his time at Chelsea, reached the final on both occasions and won it once, beating Manchester United in 2018.

As we begin this season’s ‘road to Wembley’ with a third round tie against Morecambe of League One at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday (2pm), Antonio would love to do it all again at Spurs.

“It’s an historical competition and I know very well the importance of this trophy in England,” he said. “I’ve already had the pleasure to play two finals, and to win once against Manchester United, and lose against Arsenal, in my two seasons at Chelsea.

“I enjoy this trophy. It’s an important competition in England, and for our fans. We will try to do our best. I like this type of target, to lift a trophy and to win something important for the Club.”

If you don’t give the right consideration to your opponent, then you risk... we don’t want to take a risk

Antonio Conte

Mentality is key as we face Morecambe, a team that has had a tough December but produced a stirring comeback to beat Doncaster Rovers last week. Trailing 3-0 at half-time, they ran out 4-3 winners.

“In England, every game is very difficult,” added Antonio. “If you don’t pay attention and don’t have the right focus, the right concentration, if you don’t give the right consideration to your opponent, then you risk, because the level in England is very high.

“Also, if you play a team in League One, it will always be a difficult game. If you know this before, and you are cautious about this, then you can make a good performance. We don’t want to take a risk.

“Morecambe will be ready, for sure. When you play this type of game against an important club, in an amazing stadium, with a fantastic atmosphere around you, you know it’s the game of your life. We have to know this, and our players have the experience to face this situation.”

Antonio on Spurs TV