Antonio Conte has again refused to commit his future to Tottenham Hotspur, demanding more January reinforcements from director Fabio Paratici, as the rumours of a Juventus return remain.
The former Inter tactician’s contract with Spurs only runs to June 2023 and negotiations over a new deal have barely even begun.
Conte repeatedly rebuffed calls to commit his future to the Premier League side and renewed his demands for more reinforcements in the January transfer window.
“I think the club understand very well the importance of bringing in important players, good players, in January. I’m not the person who has to explain this to my club,” said Conte in today’s press conference.
He also reiterated that Tottenham are a club ‘in transition’ since he originally took over in November 2021, especially after recent disappointing results both domestically and in the Champions League.
“This is an issue. This is a topic we have to face with the club. We have to focus on the present and try to do our best. This season will be more difficult than last season because after the transfer market you have seen many, many teams have spent a lot.
“You have to face a lot of big teams. For sure it will be the time to speak with the club. To understand what is the best solution for us.”
Conte was also asked specifically if he considered Tottenham to still be a team in transition?
“This is not the right moment to answer. Since November now and after one year I understood a lot of things. The first moment for me was really difficult to understand. Now I am going into the Tottenham world.
“I understand very well what our situation is, what is our position, what is our starting point, how long is our path to be competitive and to fight for something important.
“Now for sure my knowledges about Tottenham is more complete. For this reason I will be prepared for the moment when we speak with the club and understand what is best for the future.
“For now we need to focus on the present because we want to do our best in the present. My desire my will and of the players is to do our best and give satisfaction to the fans. That is the best aspiration of everybody. For the other situations we will see the right moment.”
The hesitation comes amid reports Juventus are ready to welcome Conte back to where he had the longest coaching stint – three years – of his club career and spent most of his time as a player too.
He is regularly seen back in Turin, where he still has a home, during breaks from his Spurs duties.