After a tough start to their 2021-22 season, Tottenham Hotspur decided to sack manager Nuno Espírito Santo and bring in Antonio Conte. The north London club has improved under the Italian tactician as they now find themselves fighting for a top-four spot.
Furthermore, there have also been players who have seen an uptick in their form since Conte has taken over the reins as manager, none more so than midfielder Harry Winks.
The 26-year-old stated that he felt his time with Spurs was looking like it was ending. Winks had his words relayed by The Athletic when discussing the breath of fresh air that he’s had under Conte.
“The manager’s come in and given me a chance, given me confidence again. Every game I play, every training session, I have that hunger to try to impress him and do everything I can to try to improve,” Winks said.
“Like I said before, my career at Tottenham was probably dead and buried, but he’s come in and given me an opportunity to show myself and prove myself. And for that, every time I get an opportunity, I really want to impress the manager and show myself and repay that faith he’s shown in me and put it back to me.”
Winks made only one Premier League start under previous manager Nuno. Since then, the midfielder has made six league starts under the 52-year-old, including the last three matches.
The midfielder also discussed his emotions before Conte’s arrival, considering the lack of playing time.
“Well, I wouldn’t say it was completely dead and buried, but my chances at Tottenham were looking slim,” Winks said. “I wasn’t getting opportunities, and it might have looked like I would need to leave the club. I don’t know.”