SPURS midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has called on manager Antonio Conte to be more precise in his criticism of Tottenham players after his outburst in the aftermath of Saturday’s draw with Southampton.

Conte accused his team of lacking professionalism in a rant that also took aim at the culture of the club over the last 20 years.

It has been reported that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy could remove the Italian as manager this week, bringing forward a departure that had been expected to come in the summer when Conte’s contract expires.

The draw at St Mary’s, where Tottenham conceded two late goals to blow a 3-1 lead, came days after the team had been eliminated from the Champions League in a meek loss to AC Milan and were dumped out of the FA Cup by Championship side Sheffield United.

Ahead of Denmark’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Finland, Hojbjerg said in quotes reported by Danish publication Tipsbladet that Conte needed to be more specific in his remarks.

“I understand that if you want to be successful as a team, you need 11 men who are committed to a project and a culture. But I think he has to elaborate on how he feels before you as a player can start measuring and weighing.”

Conte doubted the commitment of his players after a run that has seen them lose seven of their 17 games in 2023 and get knocked out of both remaining cup competitions, ensuring their 15-year wait for a trophy will continue.

“The coach has not been satisfied, and that is what I take from it,” Hojbjerg said. “You do what you can to please him. What I do know about myself is that I am an honest player. I am a player who always gives 100 per cent of myself for the team.

“If that’s how he sees it, then you have to be a little more precise in order for you as a player to take it to heart.”

A small group of Tottenham players reported to the training ground yesterday despite the uncertainty over Conte’s future.

Barcelona loanee Clement Lenglet, Japhet Tanganga, Arnaut Danjuma and Lucas Moura, as well as back-up goalkeepers Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman, had Monday off but were back at Hotspur Way as expected.

Conte was not present after he flew back to Italy following Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Southampton, a move that was already planned and has been common practice during international breaks throughout the current season.

Spurs captain Hugo Lloris was at the training ground to continue his recovery from a knee injury sustained last month as the club board deliberated their next move.

Conte told the board on Saturday night that his explosive comments were aimed at his underperforming players, but it is unlikely to stop the passionate tirade costing the Italian his job; contingency plans for the final 10 fixtures of the season are being drawn up at Spurs.