‘I hate lying’ – Conte hints he wants honesty from clubs to stay long-term

Tottenham’s Antonio Conte has emphasised that he hates ‘lying and liars’ in football, and values honesty between club and coach in order to form long-term bonds.

The Italian head coach has only been in North London for around eight months, taking over from Nuno Espirito Santo back in November 2021. However, even after that small period of time, Conte still believes it’s a lot easier for him to work with the players.

When asked whether clubs keeping the same managers over the long-term was the best route to success, nodding towards Pep Guardiola at Man City and Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, Conte agreed that continuity is key.

However, he was also keen to point out that he needs honesty in order to stay with a club and hates liars who go back on promises made.

This could be a nod towards the breakdown between Conte and Inter Milan, with the Italian club looking to cut costs and sell big-name players despite just winning the Serie A title which saw the 53-year-old walk away from his role at the San Siro (Sky Sports).

Conte said (Football London): “I think so [it is the best way to go]. If you are with the same manager for many years, you bring continuity and you continue ambition.

“It’s the best situation for the club to improve and to grow season by season. The vision is one, it’s not another vision with another manager.

“For sure to have a coach for many years you reduce the time because you give continuity to the work with the manager and the players. For me, after seven months it’s easier to work with the players. You know each other.

Asked about his record of short-term stints at clubs, Conte added: “First of all I need to stay well in the club. I like always the honest. If you tell me one thing and then you have to respect this.

“I don’t like the people who told me one thing and then during the season after one year or two changed it. If you tell me a good lie you don’t have a lot of luck with me. I hate lying and liars.”

Spurs Web Opinion:

Everything I’m hearing from Conte over the past week makes me think he is more than happy to continue at Spurs for two, three, four years, as long as the club continue to back him in whatever way they have promised to do so. Fingers crossed he stays because Conte often brings success and trophies!

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