Former Chelsea, Juventus and Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte has the tough task of leading Tottenham into a new era
Tottenham Hotspur always seem to be in the news for one reason or another. The club just cannot find the next gear for some reason and had a poor start to the campaign under former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
The decision to bring Santo to Spurs was met with some raised eyebrows and unfortunately, the Portuguese manager was sacked after a run of four losses in six Premier League games.
While that was a downer of sorts, Spurs turned the dial up a notch by landing former Inter Milan, Chelsea and Juventus manager Antonio Conte.
Former Spurs keeper Brad Friedel was asked about the changes at Spurs. In an interview done in conjunction with Betway, the American claimed that Santo wasn’t the first choice for the London club and that was always going to harm the Portuguese in the long run:
“I feel sorry for Nuno, because after seeing what happened he was probably never the first choice anyway and he had that to contend with from day one. Whenever you’re not fully backed or wanted it’s tough to succeed, especially in a league like the Premier League.”
However, Conte is a serial winner having picked up league titles with Milan, Juve and Chelsea. Friedel brought up the winning factor the Italian possesses but warned fans that he might need some time before we see the best of Tottenham:
“In saying that, what an exceptional signing Conte is! He is a serial winner. I can’t see him taking a job where he’s not going to have the ability to get some of his own players in. They might get the players in January but Spurs fans will have to wait for some real success going into next season, when they get the summer window.”
The former Spurs keeper also brought up how players want to play for Conte and was keen to see how it all goes.
“It’s a statement hiring someone like Conte because he doesn’t normally do poorly at the clubs he goes to. He’s a winner and players really enjoy playing for him. I’m excited to see how it plays out.”
Tottenham turning things around
Tottenham are undefeated in the Premier League under Conte but have had one shocking loss against Mura in the Conference League.
However, Spurs are a work in progress and it will be interesting to see what they do in the January transfer window.
Friedel, for his part, also isn’t ruling out a return to Spurs. He was asked about taking up the role of the goalkeeping coach and wasn’t turning it down, if it was offered:
“Who knows. You never say never to things in football!”
Conte is a statement signing for Spurs and they do have some momentum going into the festive fixtures.
The aim has to be reaching the top four and Spurs are two points behind fourth-placed West Ham.
Tottenham also have a game in hand, and with three Premier League wins on the bounce, Conte will be looking to get Tottenham back into the Champions League.
