Spurs should bend over backwards to keep Conte
to USE a phrase antonio Conte is fond of, expect the Italian to make tottenham ‘suffer’ when talks over a new contract commence in the coming weeks. things are rarely straightforward with Conte. Spurs found that out towards the end of last season when his future was uncertain despite a brilliant run that culminated in a top-four finish. a chat between Conte, chairman Daniel levy and managing director of football fabio Paratici resolved the manager’s concerns. Discussions over Conte’s future are on the horizon again. and whatever he wants, Spurs would do well to remember what Conte has achieved in 11 months. from meandering under Nuno Espirito Santo, they face
Sporting lisbon tomorrow and victory could book their place in the Champions league last 16. Yes, form has waned in recent weeks with three defeats in five games. but Conte remains tottenham’s best hope of success and they should bend over backwards to meet his demands. It remains to be seen if levy sees it that way.
When Conte, levy and Paratici sit down next month, talks will centre around vision and ambition. are they all on the same page? Conte has his priorities: success on the pitch. He will want commitment to improving the team so Spurs move closer to challenging for major trophies. the hierarchy will argue they have already backed Conte (right) by making six new signings in the summer. Sportsmail can also reveal Spurs are in the midst of preparing contract talks for Eric Dier and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Conte’s deal expires at the end of the season, though tottenham have an option to extend that by 12 months. that takes the pressure off. but if all parties do not see things the same way, is there any point in continuing next season? the players will certainly hope an agreement can be found, although the intensity of Conte’s regime can be draining. His tactical sessions have been described as repetitive, while some players have even been known to run as much as 2km during the warm-up on a match-day. that will be the ‘suffering’ Conte refers to. but, not withstanding their recent dip, his methods are working.
Expect Conte to be combative in expressing his views when talks commence — he knows no other way. Just ask Chelsea and Juventus. levy is unlikely to give an inch either. Suggestions tottenham will offer Conte a £20million salary have been described as ‘wild’ by those in the know. His £13m-a-year wage already makes him one of the best paid bosses in the Premier league.
It is more plausible, given levy’s reputation, that he will be surveying the managerial landscape in case an agreement cannot be found. there are attractive options available. thomas tuchel is out of work, as is Mauricio Pochettino. at the end of the day, it is a negotiation between two parties trying to serve their own interests. but surely it is in tottenham’s best interests for Conte to commit.