Tottenham boss Antonio Conte explains Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg snub caught on video

Antonio Conte has downplayed any suggestions Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg intentionally snubbed his celebratory hug following their brilliant win over Manchester City.

Harry Kane’s injury-time header gave Tottenham a well-earned 3-2 win at the Etihad on Saturday to put the visiting side back on course for a top-four finish and blow the title race wide open.

Unsurprisingly, Conte went wild with his celebrations on the touchline after Kane converted and at full-time he made his way onto the pitch to hug and congratulate his players.

Cameras caught the Italian’s hilarious reaction though as he went to grab Hojbjerg, who turned away from him, walking in the opposite direction.

Ahead of Tottenham’s clash with Burnley on Wednesday night, Conte explained he saw the funny side after watching the video back with the Dane simply not seeing his manager approach him.

‘I have seen the video because Anthony [Spurs’ press officer] showed me,’ he said.

‘For sure I was celebrating with all my players. He didn’t see me. Then we have recovered in the dressing room because we celebrated with him and all the players.

‘Pierre is another important player for us, he’s young but he’s experienced and now with [Rodrigo] Bentancur we have implemented the midfielders, [Harry] Winksy, [Oliver] Skipp, players I can count on.

‘We have to continue to work, we need a bit of time and patience. I have seen that we are improving in many aspects. Then to be available. The squad is more complete than before with [Dejan] Kulusevski and Bentancur.

‘I can now give rotation and rest. For example the midfielders against Man City they put in a fantastic performance and the effort was top.

‘We have to see whether they recover very well or I will have to make rotation