Football: Champions League qualification would be a good season for Spurs, says Conte
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Conte has only recently returned to day-to-day duties at Spurs after recovering from gallbladder surgery.
PHOTO: AFP
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LONDON – Finishing in the Champions League places would represent a successful season for Tottenham Hotspur, manager Antonio Conte said on Thursday, despite the team not getting close to capturing any silverware this season.
Spurs go into Saturday’s Premier League clash at Southampton fourth in the standings on 48 points, two behind League Cup winners Manchester United in third who have a game in hand.
However, they may feel some added pressure after they crashed out of the Champions League to AC Milan and the FA Cup to Sheffield United over the past two weeks.
“For sure it will be a good achievement to finish in Europe this season, like last season. I think in every season, to finish in the top four means you had a good season,” Conte said.
“You can see the table and you can see there are teams that in the past won trophies, and now they’re struggling.
“Don’t forget other teams like Brighton, who are on a good run. Brentford also are having a fantastic season, then Newcastle, Liverpool and I don’t forget Chelsea.
“There is also United in this race. For sure it will be a good achievement to finish in Europe.”
The Tottenham boss will have an unchanged squad available for the Southampton game, with Ryan Sessegnon, Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur and Hugo Lloris still out with long-term injuries.
He added that captain and goalkeeper Lloris would be his first choice once he returns, despite back-up Fraser Forster’s impressive performances.
The Italian also said that he does not expect to lose his job before the end of the season despite speculation over who will be his successor.
Conte’s contract expires at the end of the campaign but there appears little intention on either side to extend the deal.
“You asked me about the future and I said to you that you don’t know what happens, maybe the club can sack me,” the 53-year-old said.
“But I repeat, I don’t think the club is thinking this. The club sees every day what me and my staff, we are doing for this club. I repeat, in my opinion we try in every moment to do everything, and I think the club appreciates this.”
Striker Harry Kane’s future is also in doubt. The England captain is yet to win a major trophy in his career and will have just one year left on his contract at the end of the season.
United are reportedly preparing a bid to lure him to Old Trafford.
“I think this is a question for the club,” added Conte. “For sure the club wants to involve Harry Kane for the rest of his career. A world-class striker like him, you want him to stay for the rest of his life.
“But then, sometimes it’s unpredictable and it’s not in my task to make a decision. This is the decision for the club and for Harry.” AFP
