It’s not just Antonio Conte’s glowering expression and his rent-a-quote press conferences that Tottenham Hotspur supporters cannot wait to see the back of. It’s his tactics too.
The Italian’s emblematic 3-5-2 formation might have taken Inter Milan and Juventus to Serie A glory – ditto Chelsea in the Premier League – but Conte’s reluctance to change, at a time when his approach appears to benefit Spurs’ opponents more than his own players, has long since become a bone of contention amongst a disillusioned Tottenham fanbase.
Predictable, pragmatic, plodding; Antonio Conte has always placed results above performances but, in North London, neither has been forthcoming.
It remains to be seen who takes Conte’s place. Be it Roberto de Zerbi, Marco Silva, Thomas Tuchel, Luis Enrique or another.
Either way, the identity of Spurs’ next head coach is unlikely to pick up where his predecessor left off regarding Conte’s interest in Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries, per 90Min.
Could Denzel Dumfries join Newcastle rather than Tottenham?
Now, Dumfries arrived at the San Siro some three months after Conte’s departure during the summer of 2021; joining from PSV Eindhoven after an outstanding European Championships for the Netherlands.
On paper, however, Dumfries and Conte feel like a match made in footballing heaven. An all-action wing-back tailor-made for Conte’s preferred formation. Despite the signing of Pedro Porro from Sporting Lisbon, it is not difficult to imagine that – if Conte had signed a new deal in North London rather than pouring paraffin on any remaining bridges and setting them alight – Dumfries may have featured highly on his summer wishlist.
A more suitable alternative to Porro. An upgrade on the hard-working but limited Emerson Royal.
According to The Telegraph, Conte could be sacked this week. Any lingering interest Spurs may have harboured in Dumfries could follow the blue-eyed battle-axe out the door.
This does not mean the former PSV skipper is destined to miss out on a summer move to the Premier League, however. La Repubblica believe that Newcastle United – after holding initial talks recently (Gazzetta) – are now ‘best placed’ to secure Dumfries’ signature.
Conte on the brink
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe prefers a flat-back four, with Kieran Tripper his first-choice. The £35 million-rated Dumfries, however, would give Howe – a far more flexible coach than Conte – the opportunity to shift systems depending on the opponent. Dumfries would also add high-quality depth. Much-needed depth. This is, after all, a thin Newcastle squad likely to be stretched to it’s limits by European football in 2023/24.
Inter, meanwhile, are prepared to cash in on Dumfries. The three-time European Champions are already in talks with his replacement, Club Brugge’s Canadian speedster Tajon Buchanan.
Should the right offer arrive, Dumfries will be sold. And, with Conte on the brink, the smart money should be on Newcastle being the Dutchman’s destination, rather than Tottenham.
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