Harry Kane praised the way Antonio Conte has changed Tottenham’s mindset after Spurs beat Brighton to reach the FA Cup fifth round.
Saturday’s win over the Seagulls – in which Kane scored twice – was the home side’s 10th in 17 games since Conte took charge on 2 November.
The Italian replaced Nuno Espirito Santo, who was sacked after just four months in charge.
“He he has been brilliant,” said Kane of Conte.
“I cannot speak highly enough of him and he has really changed the mindset of the team. We have to keep working hard on and off the pitch.”
Having slipped down the Premier League table under Nuno, Spurs have moved back into top four contention since Conte’s arrival and they currently sit two points off fourth with two games in hand.
Sunday’s victory also keeps them firmly in contention to win silverware this season, with Kane playing a key role as Spurs saw off Brighton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The England striker curled home the opener to give the hosts the lead in the first half before Spurs added a second soon after when Emerson Royal’s cross looped in via a deflection off Solly March.
Yves Bissouma’s deflected strike reduced the deficit in the second half but Kane prodded in a third.
Neal Maupay had a golden chance to pull it back to 3-2 soon after Kane’s goal as he broke through one-on-one but his shot was tame and straight at Hugo Lloris.
That was as close as Brighton came to threatening a late fightback as Spurs closed out the game to progress.
“To win in an important competition like the FA Cup is so important, it is important for the confidence, important to get a win against a really good team,” Conte said on ITV4.
“It was good, Kane scored twice. We had chances to improve the final result but in the end I think it was fair.”
(BBC Sport)
