Antonio Conte looks back on why he left Tottenham Hotspur, insisting ‘some had decided to settle for less,’ while confirming he is open to new jobs ‘in Italy or abroad.’
The Italian tactician is a free agent after negotiating a contract termination by mutual consent with Tottenham in March.
He was at an awards ceremony in Arezzo this evening and spoke in a press conference about his plans for the future.
“I still have the desire to coach, that passion never goes. If it did, I would have to look inside myself and think that it was no longer right to continue doing this profession,” said Conte.
“Having said that, I am also not spasmodically searching for a new job. If something important and serious came along, that gave me motivation, then I would give it consideration, in Italy or abroad.”
The former Juventus and Inter coach turns 60 next month and was asked how he evaluates his most recent experience on the Tottenham bench, which lasted just 15 months.
“The last experience, like all of them really, had some things that were positive and some less so. The experience was wonderful, we did the maximum possible and gave all that we had.
“When I arrived, the team was in eighth or ninth place, yet we qualified for the Champions League. Then this season, with the side in fourth position, I decided we should part ways with Tottenham. Some had decided to settle for less.”
Tottenham plunged down the table after Conte’s departure and eventually finished the Premier League season in eighth place, missing out on European qualification.
Conte has been linked with numerous roles in Italian football, including the vacant bench at Scudetto winners Napoli or a potential return to Juventus.
Inter are no longer an option, as Simone Inzaghi will be confirmed after reaching the Champions League Final.