Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Conte explains how Tottenham changed his mind as Paratici unveils new boss

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the appointment of Antonio Conte as their new head coach on an initial contract until 2023.

Conte replaces Nuno Espirito Santo in the Tottenham hotseat after the former Wolves boss was sacked on Monday, a couple of days after a dismal defeat to Manchester United.

Unlike when they dismissed Jose Mourinho in April, Tottenham have wasted no time in finding a replacement. They quickly began negotiating with Conte and have struck a successful deal.

The Italian tactician is now back in work following his departure from cash-strapped Inter Milan in the summer after winning the Serie A title with them.

His move to Tottenham marks his return to English football following a previous two-season spell across London with Chelsea. With them, he won the Premier League in 2017 and the FA Cup a year later.

Conte now gets the best part of two seasons in charge of Tottenham. They also have the option to extend his contract should he be successful.

He has his work cut out for him after Spurs’ struggles in recent weeks. Despite a promising beginning under Nuno, who was the Premier League manager of the month for August, things have taken a turn for the worse recently.

Tottenham have lost three of their four most recent matches and have only scored one goal in that time. Some players were growing unhappy with Nuno’s treatment of them.

Furthermore, the big question of Harry Kane’s future has been lingering over the club after he tried and failed to leave in the summer.

Conte now must get everyone singing from the same song sheet as he aims to inspire a mid-season turnaround.

Antonio Conte on the verge of Spurs

Antonio Conte on the verge of Spurs

Antonio Conte is on the verge of replacing Nuno Espirito Santo at Tottenham, with more news on the Portuguese as well as Dusan Vlahovic.

The 52-year-old told Tottenham’s official website: “I am extremely happy to return to coaching, and to do so at a Premier League club that has the ambition to be a protagonist again.

“Tottenham Hotspur has state-of-the-art facilities and one of the best stadiums in the world.

“I can’t wait to start working to convey to the team and the fans the passion, mentality and determination that have always distinguished me, as a player and as a coach.

Antonio Conte celebrating a Chelsea win

“Last summer our union did not happen because the end of my relationship with Inter was still too recent and emotionally too involved with the end of the season. So I felt that it wasn’t yet the right time to return to coaching.

“But the contagious enthusiasm and determination of Daniel Levy in wanting to entrust me with this task had already hit the mark. Now that the opportunity has returned, I have chosen to take it with great conviction.”

Paratici explains Conte appointment

Managing director, Fabio Paratici – who worked alongside Conte in a previous job at Juventus – added: “We are delighted to welcome Antonio to the Club. His track record speaks for itself, with vast experience and trophies in both Italy and England.

“I know first-hand the qualities Antonio can bring to us, having worked with him at Juventus, and look forward to seeing his work with our talented group of players.”

Tottenham director of football Fabio Paratici watching his side from the touchline

It has been reported that Conte will earn around €18m over the course of his initial contract.

He will take Tottenham training on Tuesday but reports have raised doubts over whether he will get a visa in time to manage Spurs’ game against Vitesse in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.

Instead, his first match in charge could be the trip to face Everton in the Premier League on Sunday.

Conte will then have the international break to further prepare for the challenges ahead. He will also already have half an eye on the January transfer market, in collaboration with Paratici.

Reports have suggested he could be given a budget of around £150m to work with in January. Some potential targets have already been identified…

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