Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte looks to have come full circle on his time in north London after making a bold statement regarding his future.
The Italian has done a solid job since taking over at the club last November, securing UEFA Champions League football for the season ahead and enjoying a positive summer transfer window to boost his squad.
Spurs sealed their return to Europe’s elite club competition on the final day of last season and have since signed six new players this summer, leaving them in a healthy position for the new campaign.
And with Spurs on the up, Conte has revealed that he would have ‘zero problem’ extending his current deal at the club if they continue to make steady progress, and has also urged star striker Harry Kane to do the same.
Conte has just one year remaining on his current deal, but has made it clear that he is happy at the club and has no plans to depart in 12 months' time as things stand. Speaking to football.london, Conte also mentioned his “good relationship” with managing director Fabio Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy, hinting that this plays an important role in deciding his future at the club.
He said: “I have to be honest, in my career, the contract was never important. I didn't need to sign contracts for one, two or three years. For the club it could also be a weight. I'm happy, I'm happy. We're working really well together. It's not that one year on the contract more or less can change the situation. For sure we want to continue to improve, to build something important for this club.
“If the idea continues to be in this way, there will be zero problems to continue my life in Tottenham because I stay well and I like this group of players and I have a good relationship with Paratici and with Daniel Levy. I repeat that I'm not a coach who needs to sign a contract for money. I don't need that. In this moment I don't need this. I need to have enthusiasm and the passion for this role.”
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Conte signed an 18-month contract back in November 2021 following the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo, with Spurs ninth in the league, but rejuvenated an uninspired side. As well as becoming the first Tottenham manager to go unbeaten in their first eight league games, Conte also guided the Lilywhites back to the Champions League with a fourth-placed finish.
He has also played a huge part in restoring Harry Kane's faith in the team, after the striker came close to leaving for Manchester City. The transfer speculation saw Kane's form dip before Conte’s appointment, but he has rediscovered his shooting boots since, finishing last season with 27 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.
The England international has formed a deadly partnership with Son Heung-min, and now his manager is urging him to also commit his future to the club. Conte added: “For sure the club will want to try to renew the contract of their best players.
"You know very well that Harry is for us an important player, but I see him very happy. I see him happy. His feelings are positive but at the same time we have to understand that if we want to reach something important we have to fight in every game.”
Spurs have welcomed the arrivals of Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and Djed Spence this summer as Conte continues his rebuild of the squad, but more could still be on their way before the transfer window closes.
On the field, Spurs have won two, drawn one and lost one in pre-season, ending their preparations for the new season with a 1-0 defeat to Roma on Saturday. Nonetheless, all attention is now focused on the visit of Southampton in their Premier League season opener on Saturday.
