Dele Alli's revenge mission doesn't concern Antonio Conte

Antonio Conte is not worried about Dele Alli seeking revenge on his return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday night, with the Italian coach adding that players who leave him usually go ‘down, not up’.

Alli left for Everton in the January window as his career stalled under Conte. ‘It was a good decision for the player and for the club,’ the Spurs boss said of the 25-year-old England forward.

‘I can tell you that in the period we worked together I tried to get the best out of him. He was always available in training but in the end it was a good decision for him and he deserves big respect for what he did for this club. He’s young and has all the time to take his career in his own hands.’

Asked about Alli’s motivation on Monday night, Conte added: ‘Honestly, I don’t remember a player that had revenge with me. When some players went away, usually they went down, not up — usually.’

Alli’s boss Frank Lampard, meanwhile, has urged him to be patient as he explained an improvement in the midfielder’s physical condition is the only thing needed to find a regular place in Everton’s team.

Alli has yet to make a significant contribution for Everton but Lampard is adamant that will come once he is into a rhythm of playing games.

‘When he has come off the bench he has contributed well in games and helped the team,’ said Lampard. ‘He was particularly good against Man City and showed a discipline in his performance which was required in the game.

‘So it’s probably about his condition, learning a bit about myself and how my staff work and then fitting into the team. I don’t think we have to panic, to rush. When we signed Dele, I certainly saw it as a long-term plan because I really have that massive belief in him as a player.

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