It was in answer to a generic question about rough tackling that a somewhat malevolent glint flashed in Antonio Conte’s eyes on Saturday evening.
The gist of his response was that as a player he always knew how to make it look an accident, and the temptation thereafter was to wonder if those in his current care might wish to give him a wide berth in the next game of five-a-side. If ever a squad deserved a minor kicking, and all that.
We seem to have reached the point in a season where the obligatory questions are raised about whether Tottenham have the temperament for this gig.