Fabrizio Ravanelli has claimed Tottenham can win the Premier League title under Antonio Conte next season but admits they will have to work hard and make further improvements to achieve that.
Spurs have turned a corner since they appointed Conte midway through the campaign after sacking Nuno Espirito Santo at the start of November.
The Italian, 52, has lifted the club up to fifth in the table just two points behind fourth-placed Arsenal with a spot in next season’s Champions League still well up for grabs.
Tottenham’s position has also shown how much work is needed if they are to compete with title-chasers Manchester City and Liverpool, who both hold more than a 20-point gap between the north London side.
However, Ravanelli believes Spurs can get to that level and challenge for the title next season with Conte in charge, while securing a Champions League berth this term, providing he is amply backed to improve his playing squad.
Ravanelli told The Sun: “I believe he has been doing very well at Tottenham but when a coach, especially Conte, gets to a team, he needs time. I’m pretty sure he can make tremendous progress and achieve exactly what he has in mind.
“Tottenham has always been missing something – they never really manage to take that necessary step forward in quality. They have had a good mentality but it’s not been effective in getting the results they want.
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“Now with Conte and Fabio Paratici, they will be able to make the right choices to give them the right identity to win. They will be able to then possibly win the Premier League in this way. Next year will be the turning point.”
He added: “This year they have less chance than Arsenal [to get top four] but knowing Conte, in these moments, he always wins duels. He is so focused and so determined and I’m pretty sure they will finish fourth and get into the Champions League.
“As for winning the Premier League next year, they will have to fight hard. We cannot forget Manchester City and Liverpool.
“Tottenham have got seven or eight excellent players. They need to focus on the defence because that is their main weakness.
“They would also need to strengthen the midfield with new signings and sign a new striker to play alongside Harry Kane. Kane is the best but he is not enough so they will need to strengthen there next season. It won’t be easy.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Right now, it does seem a bit much to say that Spurs will challenge for the Premier League title with Man City and Liverpool both being so far ahead of the rest.
Anything is possible, though, and Conte has the experience and knowledge to inspire a title challenge, but again it comes down to being given the trust and resources to make that a possible and achievable feat.
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