Spurs fans have every reason to start getting excited. After a few years of mess in their managerial ranks, they finally have somebody in place who is ruthless and relentless, and it looks like he could even be successful. How far can Spurs go?
Antonio Conte has changed the whole approach of the Spurs team and it is fair to say he has taken no prisoners, but if you think they will win the league this season, you will still get some very long odds as they are considered a huge outsider with most of the top online sportsbooks, behind Manchester City and Liverpool. A better bet might be for Tottenham to reach a European competition, or to go further in the Champions League than some had originally expected, especially considering their favorable draw.
A strong Spurs squad
The Spurs squad hasn’t been weak in recent years, at all. As well as having one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Hugo Lloris, Spurs have some world-class talent up front. This includes England’s talisman Harry Kane as well as Son Heung-min.
Conte’s reign has also seen a flurry of brand-new signings and players who can help to strengthen the side. They’d already signed Bentancur and Kulusevski before this transfer window, and Yves Bissouma and Ivan Perišić have further added to the ranks.
One of the main things you can see in the Spurs squad, who have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, is that everyone is pulling together. Unlike previous years when there hasn’t appeared to be a lot of unity in the team, we’re now seeing that there is a huge level of team spirit and a high work rate.
Conte’s no-nonsense approach
We’ve seen that Conte is one of the most passionate managers out there. He has a reputation of being a bit of a hard man, which doesn’t always play into his favor. He’s also not afraid of a falling out now and then. Rumor has it, before he left Chelsea, he was not even on speaking terms with the board of directors.
Before the season, we also saw the Tottenham players going through some incredible high-intensity training sessions to get fit for the new season, with some players even collapsing as a result.
Conte is a disciplinarian and this can be seen by the approach on the pitch. While some players have responded really well, there are some other players who aren’t fans of this approach, and these are generally shown the door in a matter of days.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Conte being in charge is what a difference he has made defensively. He’s shown a huge level of improvement among defensive players, as he has supported the likes of Eric Dier in becoming a better player and an integral part of the defense. Not long ago, he was being criticized and even linked with a move away. All of the stats show the kind of improvements that Spurs have made since Conte came in. Of course, those of us who are old enough to remember him playing won’t be surprised, as he was a defensive terrier of a player.
How far can Spurs go?
Tottenham may be left considering themselves a little unlucky, come the end of the season. No matter how well they perform it is very unlikely that they will challenge the monopoly held in the North West of England. Manchester City and Liverpool will continue to dominate - unless Tottenham can pull off something truly remarkable.
That said, finishing in the top four has long been seen as a barometer of success for teams like Spurs. Getting into Europe is undeniably a huge thing for Tottenham, and this is definitely within the realms of possibility.
In European competition, it isn’t that long since Spurs were in the Champions League final. Their draw for the group stage has been considered favorable, and it seems inevitable that they will find their way to the knockout stages. At that point, who knows what can happen?
On top of this, Spurs also have the option to compete on two more levels, with the League Cup and FA Cup giving an opportunity for much-needed silverware. Okay, they aren’t as prestigious as winning the Premier League, but that doesn’t mean the Spurs faithful wouldn’t be delighted to get some sort of silverware in the cabinet this season.
With Arsenal improving too, there is every chance that the North London derbies this season are going to be truly special. They are always feisty affairs, but with Conte in charge and accepting nothing less than 100%, we will see some classic games.
Conclusion
Spurs aren’t going to be favorites to win the league, and with Manchester City reinforcing with Erling Haaland, one of the best players in the world, we expect them to be a step too far for Spurs. That said, there is every chance this could be a season to remember for the White side of North London.
Conte may not take Spurs all the way to the top, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t an incredible manager, and it seems like he will go a long way to improving the team. If he keeps up the form they have shown recently, there is every chance that Antonio could go on to build himself up and become a Spurs legend in future years.