Tim Sherwood has told TalkSPORT (Thursday, 9:15AM) that Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has “done his job” at Spurs and if was to go, Mauricio Pochettino returning to the club would be an “easy transition” for supporters.
Conte is under more pressure than he has ever been at Spurs, after Sunday’s poor display in a 2-0 loss to rivals Arsenal. The Italian gaffer remains out of contract at the end of the season. It is completely up in the air, if he signs a new deal.
Spurs sit in fifth place and a win over Manchester City could close the gap on the top four. But beating City seems unlikely, even with Pep Guardiola’s side struggling for form. A win would seriously improve Tottenham fans’ feelings.
But, with Spurs struggling, no new signings in January and Conte out of contract in the summer, Spurs’ long-term plan does seem up for debate. Sherwood believes Conte’s time is done – backing a return for 50-year-old Pochettino.
“He’s [Pochettino] an easy transition. The fans would like him back. Attractive style, he plays off Levy’s hymn sheet – he wouldn’t send cryptic messages to Tottenham’s money men. Conte’s done his job, he’s not delivering,” Sherwood said.
Sherwood: Conte has done his job and Pochettino an easy transition
It is hard to disagree with anything Sherwood has said. Conte does look as though he has run his course. He has been backed financially, spending over £150million in the summer on a number of new signings. Richarlison cost £60million.
The majority of signings have worked. Ivan Perisic on a free has been superb. Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur changed Tottenham for the better last January. But, some have not yet done their job – Richarlison a prime example.
Conte has been backed and while this season was always going to be tough for Spurs, given they are in the Champions League, his tactics are rightly under question. Perhaps, in the summer, it is right for Conte to go, and Poch to return.
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