Conte is keen to follow Klopp’s lead
ANTONIO CONTE believes Jurgen Klopp’s patient progress at Liverpool is a good example for Tottenham to follow in the quest to end their trophy drought.
Spurs have not claimed silverware since 2008 despite being among the leading clubs in England for more than a decade.
It was a similar story for Liverpool when Klopp took over seven years ago but even he did not earn instant success at Anfield and had to wait until 2019 — when they beat Tottenham in the Champions League final — to win the first trophy of his tenure at the club.
While the Reds are going through a difficult spell where they have struggled for consistency and sit ninth in the table, Conte knows today’s opponents remain one of the best sides in world football.
He said: ‘What we know about Liverpool, (they are) one of the best teams in the world. They are having a bit of difficulty this season. I am surprised about this and that some people are trying to criticise Liverpool after what they have done in recent years.
‘They have one of the best coaches in the world and fantastic players. At the same time, we have a lot of (injury) problems but we want to play an important game in front of our fans.
‘Jurgen’s story speaks for him and he has changed Liverpool. I remember very well Liverpool didn’t win for a long period and he needed four years to bring Liverpool to be able to win again.
‘This shows that it is important for a coach to have time. If people don’t know about football, they think that the story of this coach is a winner, it is not so.
‘Jurgen shows that through the work, the matches and the transfer market he improved Liverpool a lot and brought them to the top. For sure I can speak well about Jurgen, Liverpool and the players — they are definitely a good example for us.’
In goal for Liverpool today will be Alisson, who believes he is in the best form of his career. He said: ‘So far, it could be.
‘I think last season was a really good season for myself. My target is to do at least the same, to keep the same level.
‘We are trying to find consistency as a team and, if I can do it only for myself, for me it is not right.’