Whilst this feels a bit premature, Daily Express journalist Charlie Gordon has expressed his concern for Tottenham amid the uncertainty of Antonio Conte’s future beyond next season at the club.
Gordon was speaking on Chris Cowlin’s YouTube channel and was of the impression that even if Spurs go on to have a successful season this year, Conte’s status in the dugout isn’t assured.
The Italian coach arrived with the side in ninth place in the league after five successive defeats but steered the club to a Champions League finish and has received substantial backing already this summer with the £60m arrival of Richarlison, Yves Bissouma for an initial fee of £25m as well as Fraser Forster and Ivan Perisic.
However, the 52-year-old is only under contract until next summer and as pointed out by Gordon he doesn’t tend to stick around for long even if his tenure is rewarding and a particular personal issue may influence his decision.
Do you expect Conte to be at Spurs beyond the new season?
Yes
No
(29:35) “I believe Conte’s family are still living in Italy and that was something that came up at the start of the summer when there was rumours that Conte might not continue at Spurs because he didn’t want to live away from his family for too long.
“I know this isn’t what you want to hear. I’m sorry but even if Spurs have a great season next season it’s not guaranteed that he’s going to sign a new contract and continue because he’s got a reputation for succeeding at clubs in short bursts. You know, we saw him at Inter Milan, he won the league and then left that same summer because the club couldn’t match his ambitions in the transfer market.
“So the thing is nothing guaranteed with Conte. You’ve got to live in the moment and it’s a good moment to live in as a Spurs fan. So I would just say, you know, embrace it for the moment. Try not to look too far ahead into the future because you just don’t know what’s going through Conte’s mind.”
TIF Thoughts on Conte and Spurs…
Do you think Conte will guide Spurs to silverware?
Yes
No
The erratic nature of the Italian’s career as a manager will certainly be a red flag for Lilywhites supporters.
Many will think the serial winner is just the man to end what will be a 15-year wait for a trophy at the club by the time prizes are handed out next season.
He won a Premier League and an FA Cup in his two seasons at Chelsea before moving to Inter Milan and leading the club to their first Scudetto in 11 years.
However, his average term as a coach stands at just 1.15 years, or just shy of 14 months meaning if he were to stay to next May he would have already outstayed his average by half a year having joined last November.
For now though as Gordon points out the fans will have to enjoy his presence and perhaps if all is going to plan the club can negotiate a new deal for the manager during the campaign.
It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. Conte likes to go in, make improvements.. then leave.. Only then he likes taking his best players with him..
Do I hope he stays.. yes of course.. if we win OR not. but I wouldn’t bet on it.