Harry Redknapp gives verdict on whether Tottenham should keep Antonio Conte

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Harry Redknapp has told Tutto Mercato Web that he hopes Antonio Conte is in charge at Tottenham for a “long time” amid reports that Spurs are not particularly keen on triggering the extension that currently sits within his contract.

Conte, 53, is set to return to the dugout on Wednesday night after recovering from a gallbladder operation in his home country. Spurs take on Milan in the second leg of their Champions League tie, currently trailing 1-0 after the first leg.

But the Italian is coming under scrutiny. Spurs remain in fourth place in the Premier League table, but last week, they were knocked out of the FA Cup – ending any realistic hopes of a trophy this term. Then, a 1-0 League loss to Wolves.

With Liverpool now back in form and breathing down the neck of Spurs – just three points behind, boasting a game in hand and with a better goal difference – Conte is under pressure. The Mail+ claim he is “on his way out” of Tottenham.

Indeed, the Spurs board are not particularly keen on activating the 12-month extension clause that is in his Spurs deal. However, Redknapp is very keen for Conte to remain in the dugout at Spurs and hopes he does so for a long time.

“Fantastic manager, a top coach. Emotional coach, who always wants to win. His passion is fantastic I would say contagious. I’ve never met him but I admire him a lot,” Redknapp told TMW, ahead of the second leg against Milan.

“He did fantastic things at Chelsea and at Tottenham he took on a difficult task. If he still has time to work, he can do great things and for this I hope he stays on the bench for a long time of Spurs we can’t even be sure.”

Redknapp hopes Conte is in charge at Tottenham for a long time

It doesn’t look promising though, does it. Conte seems more than likely to leave the club at the end of the season. The only thing stopping Conte from leaving the club is likely to be Champions League qualification. His future is in doubt.

Can Spurs achieve that with Conte in charge? There has been criticism for his tactics, a lack of plan B. But a win over Milan on Wednesday night and reaching the next round of the Champions League would be an enormous boost.