Tottenham defender Djed Spence recently opened up about his difficult time under former head coach Antonio Conte and how the experience impacted his confidence.
Spence, who joined Spurs from Middlesbrough in a £20m deal in the summer of 2022, struggled to make an impression under Conte. After spending months out of the first team, he was loaned out to French club Rennes in January 2023, with Conte describing him as more of a “long-term investment” than an immediate asset.
Speaking candidly on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Spence shared the emotional struggles he faced. “When I first arrived at Tottenham, I was full of energy, feeling good after a strong season and promotion,” he explained. “But when I got to the club, it felt like I hit a wall. It really took a toll on my confidence. It was tough, especially at my age. It wasn’t the experience I imagined.”
He admitted that during that period, he was constantly uncertain of his place in the team. “No matter what I did, it felt like it wasn’t enough,” Spence confessed. “I started doubting myself – did I make the right move, did I do the right thing? Conte wasn’t the type to give praise or guidance, and I only had one conversation with him.”
But after a series of loan moves, including stints at Leeds and Genoa, Spence has finally found his footing under Ange Postecoglou’s management. This season, he has become one of Spurs’ most consistent performers, showing his true potential.
Reflecting on his evolution, Spence noted that his early approach to his new club may have held him back. “I think I was too eager to show respect and fit in,” he said. “Coming from Forest to a top Premier League club, I was in awe of everything. But looking back, I realize I didn’t express myself fully or stand up for myself enough.”
He continued: “I was hesitant around big names like Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son. I didn’t want to disrupt the harmony, so I held back, thinking I had to keep my head down. That was a mistake, though—trying to be too humble and not being myself was one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned.”
Spence’s shift in mindset came early this season, when he finally decided he needed to be more assertive. “I knew I couldn’t keep waiting around,” he said. “It clicked for me that I had to go for it, take ownership, and not waste any more opportunities.”
Now, under Postecoglou, Spence has blossomed into a key player for Tottenham, with his performances showing a marked improvement in confidence and impact on the pitch.
