Alarm bells for Spurs as Conte stays quiet on contract

ANTONIO CONTE said very little when quizzed about his future yesterday but his reluctance to open up spoke volumes. As Tottenham ready themselves for talks with their coach next month in the hope of persuading him to sign a new deal, Conte’s non-committal comments will have increased concerns that those discussions will not be straightforward. ‘This is an issue we have to face with the club,’ said Conte when asked about his future, ahead of his side’s Champions League match with Sporting Lisbon tonight. ‘We have to focus on the present. This season will be more difficult than last because many teams have spent a lot in the transfer market.

‘For sure, it will be the time to speak with the club. To understand what is the best solution for us.

‘After one year, I understood a lot of things. Now I understand what our situation is, how long our path to be competitive is. I will be prepared when we speak and understand what is best for the future.’

This is Conte’s way. Tottenham knew that when they appointed him as Nuno Espirito Santo’s successor last November, though you would forgive the club for hoping that the Italian would exude more positivity when making public declarations on his future after the success of the past 11 months. Conte’s deal expires at the end of the season, though Tottenham have an option to extend that by 12 months.

But while the 53-year-old was reserved about his future, his reaction to assertions that Chelsea and Manchester United are in transition was more forthright.

When asked by Sportsmail if there was an opportunity to capitalise on Liverpool’s difficulties and the fact that Chelsea and United are working under new managers, Conte said: ‘I am surprised you are asking about United and Chelsea being in transition. ‘Chelsea are in transition after they won the Champions League two years ago and last season won the Club World Cup? United two years ago finished second. If these clubs, that can invest a lot, are in transition, who are the title contenders?’

As Conte nears his one-year anniversary at Tottenham, his side remain a work in progress. What resources the club are willing to commit to accelerate that development will be key to whether or not he signs up to finish the job.