Antonio Conte insists Tottenham have still got a long way to go - but says Chelsea and Manchester United have got no such excuses.
Conte positively bristled when asked whether there was an opening for Spurs this season because Chelsea and United are clubs in transition. Tottenham boss Conte instead went on the offensive, said both rivals have spent big money and enjoyed recent success so they should be seen as title contenders.
That is set against the backdrop with Conte demanding more signings despite last summer’s spending spree to be able to challenge for the big trophies as he once again cast some doubt over his long term future at White Hart Lane.
Conte said: “I am surprised you are asking about Man United and Chelsea being in transition. If Chelsea are in transition after they won the Champions League two years ago and last season they won the Club World Cup. United two years ago finished second.
“If these clubs that can invest a lot of money are in transition, I don’t know who are the title contenders? Maybe we have a different vision. It’s good to have different opinions.
“Last November we were ninth. We were playing Conference League. And you think United and Chelsea are in transition? With Ronaldo, Varane, Sancho, in transition? I hope to be in transition this way. I hope so.
“I have been here 11 months. You can change the coach but when you arrive and you find a group of players that won the Champions League two years ago, last season the World Cup for teams, maybe you find an important squad with players that won a lot. In transition for the coaching and the squad are two different situations.”
It has become a familiar script for Conte that, when things do not go his way, he stamps his feet and demands more players. Having lost two games on the bounce, there was a clear message ahead of Tottenham’s Champions League showdown with Sporting Lisbon.
Conte admitted it has taken him the best part of a year to understand the inner workings of Tottenham and, having got his way in the last two transfer windows, there cannot be too many excuses.
But when asked on his future, Conte was deliberately vague as he tries to force the issue on transfers once again to move to the next level. “This is an issue,” said Conte. “This is a topic we have to face with the club. We have to focus on the present and try to do our best.
"This season will be more difficult than last season because after the transfer market you have seen many, many teams have spent a lot. You have to face a lot of big teams. For sure it will be the time to speak with the club. To understand what is the best solution for us.
“I think the club understand very well the importance of bringing in important players, good players, in January. I’m not the person who has to explain this to my club. If you ask me in January what happens when we have to play many other games, we will have to try to do our best. I repeat we have to take this big achievement of going to the next round tomorrow and take this opportunity to do it.
“Since November now and after one year I understood a lot of things. The first moment for me was really difficult to understand. Now I am going into the Tottenham world. I understand very well what our situation is, what is our position, what is our starting point, how long is our path to be competitive and to fight for something important.
“Now for sure my knowledge about Tottenham is more complete. For this reason I will be prepared for the moment when we speak with the club and understand what is best for the future.”
