Tottenham assistant manager Cristian Stellini has been quoted by the Evening Standard as saying that it is harsh to describe Antonio Conte as a short-term manager – hinting that Conte could sign a new deal with the London club.
Conte, 53, remains out of contract at the end of the season. Transfer expert Dean Jones told Give Me Sport this week that Conte and Tottenham have scheduled talks after games against Forest and Leeds, to discuss Conte’s contract.
All the signs are beginning to suggest that Conte will remain in charge at Spurs. The club have the chance to exercise a clause in Conte’s deal to extend his current stay by 12 months until 2024. But a new Spurs deal might be on the table.
Now, assistant manager Stellini has spoken ahead of Wednesday night’s match in the Carabao Cup. He says it is harsh to brand Conte a “short-term” manager and that Spurs can be a project to Conte – not just on a short-term basis.
“It is an unfair suggestion [to label him a short-term coach],” Stellini said, as per the Standard. “We are working well. The team increases, all the players improve. We’re happy. There is no problem. We are happy to be here, we feel good.”
Stellini hints Conte could sign new Tottenham deal
It is a hint that Conte could sign a new deal. More than that, he suggests that Conte is not a short-term coach. He would be a short-term manager, if he left in the summer of 2023 – or even in 2024. Beyond that, it is not short term.
So, it is a clear sign that one of his closest allies and his right-hand man is suggesting that Conte will stay at Spurs. However, Conte will need to know if he is going to be backed, and given the tools to continue to take Spurs forward.
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