Arsenal title-winner Perry Groves is “praying” Antonio Conte doesn’t become Tottenham’s new manager, telling talkSPORT (4 June, 11am) he fears their north London rivals could leave the Gunners behind if they do.
When Daniel Levy replaced Mauricio Pochettino with Jose Mourinho in late 2019, the implication was obvious.
The Spurs chairman wanted a coach capable of turning his perennial nearly men into champagne-swigging champions at last. The logic was sound.
Unfortunately for Levy, however, it quickly became apparent Mourinho was no longer the fearsome force of old, his spark diminished by those high-profile sackings at Chelsea and Manchester United.
Conte, though, feels more like the Mourinho of ten years ago. A man at the top of his game.
Former Arsenal man fears Spurs under Conte
The former Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan coach has won the title in five of his past seven seasons as a manager, while also dragging an unfancied Italy side to the latter stages of Euro 2016.
And Groves fears, should Conte return to England four years after guiding Chelsea to Premier League glory, a transitional Arsenal side could soon be choking on Tottenham’s dust.
“He’s not going there to get Spurs into the top four. He’s going there to win the title, at worst in his second season,” says Groves.
“As an Arsenal fan, I’d be having a major panic.
“Bari in Serie B – he won the title. Juventus – he won those titles. Chelsea – he won the title. He went to Inter and stopped Juve winning a tenth title in a row.
“You can’t question his methods. He falls out with owners but you get a 100 per cent, total winning mentality.
Can Conte turn Tottenham into Premier League contenders?
“The difference with Mourinho is Mourinho had the CV but he was past his best. Conte has the CV and is at his best.
“(Tottenham) will be guaranteed top four next season and will challenge for the title the season after (if Conte joins).”
Calciomercato reports with Conte likely to want a transfer budget equivalent to the GDP of a small country, however, a Spurs side hit hard by the financial implications of the pandemic may be unable to meet his demands.
“I’m not worried because I don’t think Levy will match his ambitions. I think it’s lip service,” Groves adds.
“I think he’s going to have too much ambition for Spurs. He’s going to want to be in charge of recruitment. He’ll want a massive budget.
“I’m praying they don’t come to an agreement!”
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