Gilberto Silva on whether Conte could change dynamic between Spurs and Arsenal 

Former Arsenal star Gilberto Silva has praised Antonio Conte and backed him to get the best out of the Tottenham squad. 

Conte did not take too much time to put his fingerprint on the Spurs side, with the Lilywhites lining up in a 3-4-3 against both Vitesse Arnhem and Everton.

Unfortunately for the Italian, he has been without the majority of his squad over the last week and a half as players have been with their national sides.

Conte and his coaching staff have reportedly put the players who remained at Hotspur Way through a ‘mini preseason’ in an effort to improve their fitness.

Spurs fans will be hoping that the 52-year-old is the man to take the club back into the Champions League and help them get their hands on silverware.

Fourth place in the Premier League potentially looks to be up for grabs this season due to Manchester United’s poor form. 

Tottenham’s North London rivals Arsenal look like one of the teams who could be in contention for fourth on the back of their impressive run of form over recent weeks.

When asked if the arrival of Conte at Spurs could change the dynamic among the two local rivals, Silva told talkSPORT: “This can be possible. But every time, everything is decided on the field.

“Conte is a fantastic manager. You have to say that and respect that. I am sure he will lift these players and pick them up because this is his style. He fascinates me when you see him outside of the field.

“It doesn’t matter who is there as a manager. The players need to lead this passion. They need to understand how important it is for them and the fans especially. If you are an Arsenal or Spurs player, then you must do the best.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Hopefully, a new manager bounce over the next few months will help us close the gap with the top four. 

Conte has refused to spell out his objectives for the season but I would not be surprised if he has told the players that they can close the ten-point gap with Chelsea at the top.

While that is obviously unlikely to happen, the Italian will want to get the squad believing that it is possible. 

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