Sun journalist Tom Barclay has told Give Me Sport that Antonio Conte has spoken about being at Tottenham for “many years” but you never know what the Italian is thinking – when asked if the manager will sign a new contract at Spurs.
The 53-year-old manager will leave Tottenham at the end of the season, as things stand. But the deal which he has signed at Tottenham does include the option for Spurs to extend it by another year. Even without Conte’s say so.
But that clause has not been exercised – with there being talk that Conte could actually sign an entirely new deal. But the odds are certainly stacked in Tottenham’s favour, given the clause they included in the original deal for the boss.
Sun reporter Barclay was asked if he felt Conte could sign a new deal, and where the ex-Chelsea gaffer currently sees his future. He responded b saying Conte has spoken at Tottenham about remaining at the club for “many years”.
“There’s always, I guess, a possibility that he could sign a contract. He has seemed generally, throughout this pre-season and the early part of the season, very happy and has talked about potentially being here for many years.
“But it’s also Conte. You’re not quite sure what he’s thinking. He hasn’t stayed at clubs for too long. It’s all about teams matching his ambition. He was sacked at Chelsea, but at Inter, he left of his own accord. That’s often what can happen.”
Journalist: Conte has spoken about being at Tottenham for many years
For Tottenham, it is utterly clear. Tottenham must do everything to keep Conte. He is turning the London club from a flimsy, top-six side that were in danger of becoming a club that sells to the top sides – in to one of those top sides.
Spurs look good for the top four for a second successive season, at this early stage. They look like a team that have the depth to remain competitive in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and possibly, even in the Champions League.
Can they be more than just fourth or third? Perhaps not this season. Conte has spoken about needing another three windows to make that happen. So, perhaps, he will stick around and see out the project at Tottenham.
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