Ryan Mason has admitted that the spell he had as interim head coach at the end of last season gave him the confidence and belief that he can add value as a part of Antonio Conte’s team.
After Conte’s appointment, Tottenham confirmed that Mason would be joining the Italian’s team as first-team coach.
According to reports, the former Spurs midfielder took charge of training in the days immediately after Conte’s appointment and the former Inter boss was left impressed by what he saw from the 30-year-old.
Conte and Mason have since opened up on the incredible history they have, explaining that Mason’s only cap for England coming against Conte’s Azzurri and the midfielder’s career-ending head injury occurring against the 52-year-old’s Chelsea side.
Mason has now opened up on how he took a lot of confidence from his brief period in charge of the first-team after Jose Mourinho’s sacking in April.
He told the club’s official website: “I took an incredible amount of confidence and belief [from his spell as interim head coach].
“I always had that anyway but until you live it, until you walk in those shoes, you’re probably not quite sure.
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“I’m confident I can help and have an input. It was a great experience of course but that’s in the past now.
“My role changed at the start of this season, I was back with the Academy and my focus was fully on that, but now obviously I’ve returned to the senior set-up as a First Team Coach with the new members of staff so of course I’ll adapt, because I want to help.
“I want to help people and help the team get better, so hopefully I can have an input and help the boss and the group get results.”
Mason also stated the relationship he has with the staff at the club might be a benefit to Conte and his staff.
When asked about his intimate knowledge of the club, he responded: “I hope it can help, maybe initially by connecting people and building relationships.
“I’ve been here a long time, I know everyone and people know me which probably makes people feel a little bit more comfortable in that sense.”
Despite transitioning from the head of the club’s academy to a first-team coach, Mason insisted that he remains passionately committed to helping the young talent coming through the ranks at Tottenham.
He added: “First of all, I’m still passionate about the Academy and I always will be. As someone who came through the Academy and made an impact in the first team, I think naturally I will always look at the youth system with respect.
“I’ve spoken with the Under-18s and the Under-23s, I’m going to speak with the Under-16s and the younger boys as well, just to let them know that I’m still there for them and I will still help them in their careers and on their journeys where I can.
“Of course, now I’m involved in the first-team set-up, the most important thing is getting results at the weekend and creating an environment and a mentality where we want to work hard, compete together and win football matches.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Working under someone like Conte is going to be an invaluable experience for Mason. At 30 years of age, the former midfielder is still a very young coach and potentially has a long career ahead of him.
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