Antonio Conte has described Tottenham finishing in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League next season as one of the biggest achievements in his career to date.
Spurs came into the final day of the campaign knowing that a point would be enough to second Wednesday night football for next season, but they went above and beyond that.
The Lilywhites rallied at Carrow Road and put five past the already relegated Norwich, meaning Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Everton meant nothing.
Conte has now revealed that he believed Tottenham could finish in the top four nine games ago and is over the moon they managed to follow through on that belief.
He also added that he wanted to prove himself in a different kind of situation when he joined Tottenham, a far cry from his title-winning sides at the likes of Inter Milan and Chelsea.
Finally, Conte even said it was perhaps the biggest challenge of his career and one of the biggest achievements, even alongside his trophies.
He said (BBC live blog – 22/05/22 at 18:34): “It was a perfect day for us. We got a place in the Champions League. I think for a club like Tottenham to play Champions League is a great opportunity.
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“It was not easy because in England the league is very difficult. There are many top teams. To get a place in the Champions League means we did something excellent.
“Nine games ago [he believed they could finish fourth]. I was very clear with my players and the media. I said now I feel we are ready and can fight until the end. It was the perfect moment. The players know very well our schedule.
“We made a paper with our games and it was a fantastic run apart from Brighton. We got fantastic results and now we’re talking about the Champions League. It’s great for everyone at Tottenham.
“I think so [it’s one of his biggest achievements]. Honestly, it’s never positive to come into a team during the season. For me, it was a big challenge, maybe the biggest challenge in my career. When I stay at the top level as a coach.
“I wanted to prove myself in a different situation with a lot of problems to solve. I’m really satisfied. I want to thank my staff and my players. If we were able to reach this big achievement, it’s because everyone gave everything.”
He added (18:40 in the live blog): “I have to be honest, I think it [finishing fourth] is one of the most important achievements in my career.
“Sometimes it’s not only when you lift a trophy to be satisfied, I think we reached the maximum level that we dreamed of in November because then the situation was not so good for many reasons.
“The club changed the coach and with injuries, we tried to find the good solution.
“I think we’ve done a really good job and for me, this is a big achievement in a league that is very difficult because here you find the best players and best coaches.
“I’m happy even though I didn’t lift any trophy this season.”
Spurs Web Opinion:
The job that Conte has done cannot be understated. To get a failing Spurs team not only firing again, but to a level that even stood a chance to achieve Champions League football is nothing short of incredible. In Antonio we trust!
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