Antonio Conte insists Juventus loanee Dejan Kulusevski is a Tottenham player ‘in every aspect’ and explains why he’s never overseen a long-term project like Jurgen Klopp.
The Italian tactician will face Liverpool tomorrow in a key match for the Premier League title and the top-four. Spurs are currently two points behind fourth-placed Arsenal with four games remaining.
During his pre-match press conference today, Conte was asked his thoughts on Liverpool boss Klopp and why he has never overseen a long-term project in his career.
“First of all, I think it depends on the desire of the club. I think Liverpool put Jurgen in charge seven years ago, they wanted to build something important and to bring Liverpool again to fight for Champions League, to win titles and to continue the important story of Liverpool,” he said, as quoted by Football London.
“I think maybe he signed a contract for three years and then extended. For sure, if you want to create something important you need time, you need patience especially if you start to work with a team that start behind the top positions.
“It is not easy. You need time. I think in these seven months, we did a really good job with the club and the opportunity we also had in January to sign two good players for us, to help us, to improve the quality of the team. I think we did a good job but for sure you need time.”
Klopp joined Liverpool in October 2015, replacing Brendan Rodgers. Conte, on the other hand, has never remained longer than three years at a club as a coach.
He spent three seasons at Juventus, two at Chelsea and two at Inter. Before returning to Turin as a coach, he had spent half a season at Arezzo, one and a half years at Bari, one season at Siena and took charge of 13 Atalanta games in 2009-10.
Every word Antonio Conte just said when asked about his summer transfer shopping list, injuries, making Kulusevski's deal permanent, Son and how he will set up his Spurs team to beat Liverpool this weekend. https://t.co/o1OAFu667H
— Tottenham News (@Spurs_fl) May 5, 2022
Conte also provided updates on Dejan Kulusevski, who has had a tremendous impact in North London since joining the club on loan from Juventus in January.
The Premier League side have an obligation to buy the player permanently in 2022-23 ‘ subject to the achievement of certain sporting objectives.’ Conte ensured that, regardless of that, the former Juventus starlet is a Tottenham player in every aspect.
“He’s on loan, but it’s like a deal ended,” the Italian tactician said.
“He’s a Tottenham player 100% in every aspect. Not officially, but he’s 100% a Tottenham player.”
New Antonio Conte quotes as he explains that it will take big spending on 'important players' for Spurs and any team to compete with Liverpool and Man City. Also says that if someone offered him Klopp's time in England, he'd ask for the pen to sign up. https://t.co/gc7GpFlWhx
— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) May 6, 2022