Tottenham Hotspur got off to a slow start this 2021-22 season, leading to the sacking of Nuno Espírito Santo and the hiring of Antonio Conte.
The Italian tactician has Spurs five points out of a top-four spot, but he understands to be a constant contender for the Premier League and UEFA Champions League spots, the squad needs to be better.
At his press conference, the Daily Mail relayed his remarks discussing what it will take for Tottenham to be challenging every year for Champions League.
“You make qualification for Champions League in years, not in only two or three months or in only one transfer market. Football is not this way,” Conte said. “I think that in this moment there are important teams. It will be very difficult.”
“To get a place in the Champions League, someone has to fail, but it must be a big failure. I think there are four big teams; they are the favorites in this moment. Then there are other teams that try to build with important investment in this year to try to reduce this gap.”
Tottenham has two games in hand to close the gap between them and Arsenal, who holds that fourth spot in the standings. In addition, the January transfer window is open, allowing Spurs to improve the squad.
However, Conte understands that one window won’t catapult them to the top of the Premier League and a contender in Europe, which is why he preaches that it will take years before they get to that point.
“It’s not only one transfer market. Football is complicated; it’s not only money. You have to build. I’m here to do this, but I know it will be very difficult,” Conte said.
“I want to be honest with everybody. To build something important, we need to have time and patience. Now I’m sure after I made my evaluation in the last two months.”
In his interviews since he joined I think he’s been very honest and open with his assessment of the squad and how he views the realistic chances of success. I hear Tuchel moaning about the demands of the PL and losing players through injury etc. because of it, they make me laugh, that is why you have such a big powerful squad , so get on with it the same as the smaller club managers have to, earn your dosh.
Have to hope this is a touch of reverse psychology for the squad because I think we all know that AC will be aiming for a top 4 spot this season?
Happy new year Harry, all contributors & all THFC fans & supporters.