Antonio Conte insists Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris are key to his Tottenham project but used a bizarre comment about being able to 'make a mistake about your wife but not your goalkeeper or striker' from an Italian sporting director to back the duo.
The England captain underlined his value to Spurs at the weekend with his brace helping to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory at Premier League champions Manchester City.
The 28-year-old has now scored 238 goals for the club in 380 appearances across all competitions after a summer in which he tried to manufacture a move away.
Spurs captain Lloris meanwhile made his 400th appearance for his side on Saturday evening and signed a new two-year deal at the club last month.
The duo are unsurprisingly Spurs' two longest-serving players and speaking ahead of Spurs' re-arranged trip to Burnley on Wednesday evening, Conte offered up further support for them.
However, the ex-Chelsea boss did so in bizarre fashion by repeating the words he says came from the mouth of Lecce director of football Pantaleo Corvino.
'There's a sporting director in Italy, Corvino He says you can make mistake about your wife but not about the striker or the goalkeeper.
'This is the best quote to understand football, to build a team. We're talking about two important players with good experience.'
The Italian boss also said the pillar of his side in attack is 'good' to play at Turf Moor after picking up a knock to his back at the Etihad Stadium, but is doubtful Oliver Skipp, Japhet Tanganga or Sergio Reguilon will be back in time.
'Harry had a hit on his back but he has to play,' Conte added. 'Even if he has one leg, he has to play. He is good. Harry knows his importance to the team.
'Skipp and Tanganga, they are recovering. They're not ready, they're still not ready for the game against Burnley.
'Sergio, in the training session yesterday he wasn't present and we'll see today.
'I think the situation is the same after the last game. We hope they can all recover soon.'