Antonio Conte seems prepared for Tottenham’s upcoming season, although he noted that there’s still more steps to take before they’re in contention for the title.
Spurs have had a strong summer transfer window so far, backing the Italian coach with signings like Richarlison, Yves Bissouma and Djed Spence. Tottenham finished fourth last season under Conte, an incredible result considering the state of the club when he took over in the first half of the season.
Speaking to Sky Sports today, Conte first discussed Tottenham’s rivals in the race for a top four finish in the upcoming season.
“In England, for history and investment, there are four clubs that start ahead of everyone: Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United.
“Chelsea replaced Lukaku and Rudiger with Sterling and Koulibaly, Manchester United has a lot of fans and can spend, but spenders don’t always win. Two years ago United was behind City, then they bought CR7, Sancho and Varane, but they finished sixth.
“It’s a league in which we have to maintain certain balances in order not to slip. We must not be arrogant or conceited. We have started a serious path, made of work and thoughtful choices, but to win the title we need to take more steps.”
He looked back at Spurs’ pre-season preparations this summer and how well they’ve gone.
“It went well, but it was tiring because we traveled between Korea and Israel. We worked a lot, both tactically and physically.
“We had to include new players like Perisic, who came back from an injury last year, and Bissouma, who got COVID and arrived a week later because of the national team.”
“There have been minor setbacks, but I’m happy to be able to continue working on an idea from last year, without starting from scratch like in November. It was hard because you have to bring your idea from scratch.
“We, as already said, must not be cocky and arrogant and we must not think that in just seven months we’ve reduced a gap that has existed for a very long time with Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea.”
The former Inter rand Juventus coach spoke highly about Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, his two star players.
“They are two top players who could play in all the top teams. I see them very focused and happy that a direction has been taken well in advance of previous years. They feel that the path taken is the right one.”
Finally, Conte spoke about Ivan Perisic, who arrived earlier this summer on a free transfer. Conte adapted the Croatian from a true winger into a wing back during their time together at Inter.
“For Perisic it is important now to come back in the best psychophysical condition, because he got a serious injury on the last day of last season and returned earlier than expected.
“He is still not 100%, but he is a player who has reached an incredible maturity. Let’s not forget that he has won with several clubs and reached a World Cup final. His experience will be important for us.”
says the guy who famously complained about not having enough cash to eat at the right restaurant…
Love the guy but he still comes out with some corkers from time to time
@Fatecisognare, totally agree with you.
Ya Ya Ya , Tottenham in not a big spender , nice JOKE !