Conte bans pizza at Spurs - but how did it work at Chelsea?
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 10 Nov 2021 14:23 CST
- 3 min read
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has made a mark quickly on the Premier League club, banning a number of foods – just as he did during his one-season stint with Chelsea.
The Spurs manager arrived at Spurs last week following the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo and marked his first game in charge with a nervy 3-2 victory over Vitesse.
That was followed by a scoreless draw against Everton on Sunday, in which Spurs failed to register a shot on target.
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Conte is hoping that a change of diet can instigate a turnaround in the team’s fortunes, with The Athletic detailing a list of foods that he has banned – or at least limited – Harry Kane et al from indulging on.
Tomato ketchup and mayonnaise are condiments that Conte has banned, while he is said to have cut out heavy foods, including after-training sandwiches.
Furthermore, cooking with oil and butter will be reduced to a minimum while Spurs stars will even be asked to limit their consumption of fruit juice.
Conte’s Chelsea food ban
While at Chelsea in the 2015/16 season, Conte made similar headlines with Chelsea, where he was said to have banned foods such as pizza, tomato ketchup, brown sauce and fizzy drinks to improve the fitness levels of his team.
Asked at the time if he had banned pizza from the club canteen, he said: “I bring my experience as a former player and it’s important.
"Every single manager must try to improve the players in different aspects, not just physical and tactical; to improve the performance and recovery after each game; to prepare and avoid injuries.
“My experience as a former player is important and I try to transfer this to my players. Then the players will understand if this is good or not for him."
The Italian’s Chelsea side, though, proved to be a highly disciplined team that won 30 of their 38 Premier League matches en route to the title, finishing seven points clear of Tottenham.
If Conte’s Spurs team can enjoy similar success, it will be worth the sacrifice of pizza, sandwiches and sauces.
