Hugo Lloris believes Antonio Conte already knows exactly what he wants and needs at Tottenham next season and there is "huge confidence" in the camp. Arriving at the club in November with the team struggling in the league after such a poor start, the Italian has transformed Spurs in recent months to help guide them to the Champions League.
Spurs' inconsistent form at the beginning of the year looked like it would cost them dearly in the top-four race but the Lilywhites hit top form at exactly the right time to pip Arsenal to fourth. Certainly helped by the January additions of Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski as the pair helped take the team to the next level, it is imperative that the head coach is backed this summer if Tottenham are to keep on progressing.
"I think it's a big achievement. When you look at the season, there's so many up and downs. The credit belongs to the players for never giving up but also to Antonio Conte and his coaching staff," admitted the World Cup winner. "It's a team win and I think it's going to give the club the positiveness to prepare for next season with the guidance of Antonio Conte.
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He added: "I believe he knows exactly what he wants and needs. I believe there is huge confidence. It's just about making decisions together now.
"I'm a player, we're going to switch off from the club. We still have international duties but now it belongs to the main protagonists to make the right decisions, to prepare for next season as well as we can. Then we'll come back with desire and ambition."
Failing to finish in the top four in the previous two campaigns, Spurs brought an end to a very up and down past 24 months with a 5-0 triumph at Norwich City to secure Champions League football. With their rivals all set to strengthen this summer, Tottenham could have a new challenger in Newcastle United as the Magpies are expected to splash the cash thanks to their wealthy owners.
"I think it's not new - the Premier League is the most exciting league in the world, the best league in the world. You face top players and managers and it's not only about one or two clubs. It's about many clubs," added Lloris. "Even the clubs that fight for safety, it's very hard to deal with that type of place. Next season will be even more exciting.
"As I said, it will give the calmness and positiveness to the board to make the right decisions for the wellness of the club. Also, we cannot forget to mention the fans. They were looking for the last two years for this Champions League, and we're very happy to see them celebrating. In the last two or three games, the belief went back into our stadium.
"Now let's enjoy this achievement. And next season will be another one, with another scenario, different actors and protagonists. It will be exciting. When you belong to this league it's an amazing feeling to fight every week, week in week out."
So was there a part in the season when it all just clicked into place for Conte's team given their inconsistent form?
"To be honest with you I believe it was part of the process. Already in six or seven months, the change is massive" revealed the 35-year-old. "There's no secret. It's all about work. Teamwork and the commitment every day of the players. They deserve this place and deserve to enjoy this moment but we need to keep going next season."
Securing fourth with a two-point cushion over Arsenal, Tottenham were only three points behind Chelsea in the Premier League standings after 38 games. Given the huge turnaround under Conte, Lloris was asked if the team could have challenged for the title if they had more games to play.
"[Laughs] Step by step! When you look where we were, six or seven months ago. Even three or four months ago, you know. With confidence, we can grow up faster," he said. "This end of the season we showed a lot of maturity and calmness, especially in some big moments. Now we need to use this feeling, we need to use this moment to become bigger and stronger and come back next season with more ambition."
