Antonio Conte has just given his usual prematch press conference, and Marcos ALonso was a major talking point.
When asked about his inclusion in the PFA team of the year, Conte decided to criticise the Spaniard’s performance in Saturday’s game against Southampton rather than compliment his award.
When discussing the ban that the left back has been handed by the FA, the Italian coach refused to say whether the club would be appealing the three game ban he was given for his stamp on Shane Long.
“I don’t want to comment now on this topic, I prefer to wait and see what happens,” he said coyly.
Conte on Marcos Alosno's FA charge: "The situation is very clear. The FA charged him, until tonight we have the possibility to respond to this situation, I don't want to comment now on this topic. I prefer to wait and to see what happens" #CFC #MCFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) April 18, 2018
In reality, he almost admitted soon after that there would be no appeal by confirming that Emerson Palmieri would play tomorrow night, finally making his league debut for the club.
Given how obvious the offence was, it’s hard to see there being much of a case for them to appeal it, and the only reason Conte didn’t say that himself is to keep the club’s options open.
