Antonio Conte has insisted that Tottenham are only getting started on their journey and the club ‘must not be arrogant’ about their objectives for next season.
Spurs finished the 2021/22 campaign extremely impressively, with the players seeming to have developed a deep understanding of Conte’s system. Not only were the Lilywhites extremely tight at the back but they were also creating plenty of chances going forward.
After pipping their North London rivals to the fourth spot, Tottenham have strengthened their squad significantly, with six new players coming through the door this summer.
This has led some pundits to suggest that Spurs could upset the apple cart by challenging Manchester City and Liverpool for the title (talkSPORT).
However, Conte has claimed that his side not only have a significant gap to make up on the top two but also with Chelsea.
When asked about Tottenham’s goals for the season, the 53-year-old told Sky Italia: “Honestly, we must be good at not becoming presumptuous and arrogant. We must not think that in just 7 months we have reduced a gap that has existed for a very long time.
“I am thinking of Liverpool and City, but also Chelsea have recently won the Champions and the World Cup. For club. There would also be United, but they have struggled a bit in recent years, unlike City or Liverpool. Klopp has been pursuing his ideas in Liverpool for seven years and is also supported by the club.”
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Conte admitted that Tottenham have started on a ‘serious path’ but he insisted that it will take time for the club to go toe-to-toe with the best teams in the country.
When asked if Man City and Liverpool start as favourites, he responded: “I am assuming that in England for history and investments there are four teams that start in front of all: Liverpool, City, United and Chelsea.
“For example, Chelsea replaced Lukaku with Sterling, Rudiger left but Koulibaly arrived. United it’s a great club, has a lot of fans all over the world and can spend, but those who spend don’t always win.
“Two years ago United were behind City, then they bought CR7, Sancho and Varane, but they finished 6th.
“They made these purchases to win the Premier League, but they did not succeed, it is a championship in which we must maintain certain balances in order not to slip.
“We must not be arrogant or presumptuous. We have started a serious path, made up of work and thoughtful choices, but the club needs to take other steps before thinking of being a title contender right from the start.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Conte is understandably trying to tempter expectations publicly in order to not put pressure on himself or the players.
However, I have no doubt that privately, he will be telling the players that they can compete with the best teams in the country.
It might be a season too soon for us to challenge the likes of City or Liverpool but I would be disappointed if we do not finish third.
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