Antonio Conte casts doubt on Tanguy Ndombele but says Harry Winks will stay at Tottenham Hotspur

Antonio Conte could have dropped a hint about what is to come for Tanguy Ndombele but was adamant that Harry Winks would stay at Tottenham Hotspur. There were doubts regarding their futures at N17 but the manager’s comments may have given us a snippet of what will happen as the January transfer window is set to open soon.

The Englishman was linked with a move elsewhere in the past few weeks, but the Italian coach has put an end to those with the latest reveal. The Frenchman’s case is a different one altogether, as the latter did not rule out anything, which was a sharp contrast to his words on the academy graduate.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference (h/t Daily Mail Online), Conte just mentioned that Ndombele is ‘a midfielder’ while following it up by saying how certain players could find it challenging to understand the situation. With Winks, however, the boss was in high spirits while expressing that he had proved his worth to him.

“He is a midfielder. I pay the same attention to every player and in every single session I pay great attention to every single player. Then there are players that understand before, players that understand very well and then there are other players that need more time or could [find it] difficult to understand the situation.”

“Winksy is playing well. Winsky showed to be a really able player. For this reason, Winks will stay here. I’m finding out which players are reliable and I can count on them. Winksy showed me I can count on him.”

Conte stance revealed?

The obvious difference is both statements could paint a picture of what is to come in the coming days. The 52-year-old coach may have sent a message to the France star about his future. Previously, the Italian manager had challenged the midfielder to work harder and become a team player, but these comments do not make it seem like he has succeeded in doing so. However, we should not jump the gun and wait for official information before forming an opinion on the matter.

The England international would be delighted to hear the manager’s words and how he has earned a spot within the team. That was evident in his performances since the former Inter Milan boss had taken the job at Tottenham. The 25-year-old midfielder has kept building on his initial display in the second half against Leeds United and never looked back.

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It remains to be seen what lies in store for the 25-year-old France ace as the winter transfer window is set to open shortly. While he has shown some spark in recent games, like the one against Liverpool, time will tell whether it would be enough to make a case for himself at the North London club.

As for Ndombele, Spurs are not going to be big losers in either circumstance. He has clearly failed to make himself a regular starter. If we keep him, then we have ample depth in midfield when needed; and if we don’t Spurs can finally cut their losses on the former Lyon man.