The FIFA international window is behind everyone and now the focus is one the title races or the jockeying for European positions. In the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur are on the doorstep of possibly clinching UEFA Champions League football for next season.
Clinching a top spot for Europe’s top competition will go a long way in helping the project at Spurs. It will allow striker Harry Kane to see they’re heading in the right direction; meanwhile, manager Antonio Conte could use this to justify his request for significant investments.
During Conte’s news conference, the Italian tactician was asked how important a top-four finish is for them as they hope to overtake their north London rivals, who occupy the fourth spot.
“Now after five months I’m seeing a great improvement of my team and I think we have to fight now until the end. We have the possibility to reach this target and it’s important to have this type of ambition and to put pressure on ourselves for this target,” Conte said, per Football.London.
“I think to play Champions League next season is important. It’s important for me; it’s important for the club, it’s important for the players, it’s important for the fans, for everybody. Because to play Champions League is totally different to Europa League or Conference League or not playing in UEFA competition. It’s an important target for many reasons, for the club, because for sure you can plan important things.”
Tottenham will welcome Newcastle United this weekend to their home ground. Spurs need the three points to keep the pressure on Arsenal; Newcastle wants to continue creating a buffer between themselves and those in the relegation zone.