‘Don’t want to be disrespectful’: Paul Merson makes Conte, Tottenham & Man United jibe

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Paul Merson has controversially claimed that Tottenham wouldn’t have appointed Antonio Conte if Manchester United were ‘flying’ in the Premier League, as he told Soccer Special on Sky Sports (02/11/21 at 7:05 pm).

The outspoken TV pundit also stated that he didn’t want to sound disrespectful, but as long as Solskjaer is in charge of Man United, then there is a chance for others to finish in the top four, including Tottenham, hence the change of coach.

On Monday, Spurs parted ways with Nuno Espirito Santo and 24 hours later handed the keys to Conte.

It could have been different because there are probably some Man United fans out there that wanted Conte in charge of their club, especially after that 5-0 battering by Liverpool.

But, instead, the Italian becomes the second ex-Chelsea boss this year that will take to the Hotspur Way training ground.

Following Conte’s appointment, Merson shared his thoughts on why he was brought in and his top four chances.

“I think this will take time,” said Merson. “I don’t think it’s come in, change of manager, change of voice and it will change in one game. I’ll be shocked.

“What I have seen during the past few weeks, this team is in disarray. I think they are all over the place.

“They are five points off fourth. That’s realistic. I think that’s why this has been done. The form of Manchester United has made Tottenham change their manager, as quick as they have.

“At the start of the season, the top four was blocked, but the way Man United have been recently, with Ole in charge, I think that’s an opportunity – if Man United were flying along, then I don’t think they make a change.

“They have a chance of getting in the top four – I don’t want to be disrespectful here, as long as Solskjaer is in charge of Man United, then everybody has a chance of getting into the top four.”

This is a proper statement of intent from Spurs and one that will get the attention of others around them.

Under Nuno, Spurs were heading towards the bottom half of the table and the scary thought of finishing outside of Europe.

But with Conte in charge, they will be hoping that he can deliver a top-four spot and guide them back to the Champions League.

Then there is trying to win a trophy, they are still in the League Cup, they need to pick themselves up in the Europa Conference League and then there’s the FA Cup – a lot of chances for Conte.