There are reports Tottenham Hotspur players and chairman Daniel Levy were frightened by the idea of hiring Antonio Conte for his ‘extreme’ methods and ‘potentially damaging’ transfer strategy.
The coach was fresh from taking Inter to their first Serie A title in a decade, but terminated his contract by mutual consent because of financial problems at the club.
He had then been in advanced negotiations with Spurs, but the idea was abandoned by all parties.
According to The Athletic, some Tottenham players were terrified by the idea of Conte’s “extreme and demanding” training methods, having heard from friends who worked with the tactician.
Tottenham chairman Levy also baulked at Conte’s demands of huge investment on the transfer market, which were considered ‘unrealistic’ in the current climate.
“Daniel felt his budgetary demands were not only unrealistic but also potentially damaging to our future,” a senior Spurs source told The Sun newspaper.
“Daniel wants us to be successful more than anyone but not at the expense of the club itself.
“He knows any new manager is going to need money to improve the squad and he is certain to provide them with that.
“But there has to be a balance and it cannot leave the club in a perilous situation.”
This quote is remarkably similar to one from Inter President Steven Zhang on why Conte had to leave.
“What was not fundamental for him, was for the club. And vice versa. Conte is a top coach, but as a President, I have to think of the solidity of this club.”