Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Antonio Conte future: Agent lifts lid on quick Tottenham exit with manager’s abilities ‘not enough’

Carlos Tevez deal. Antonio Conte, Tottenham manager, is a huge fan of the Swede

The chances of Antonio Conte leaving Tottenham this summer were rated by his agent, who also hinted at why a parting of ways might occur.

The capture of Conte was seen as a huge coup for Tottenham. The Italian has cultivated a reputation as a serial winner having won league titles at each of his three previous clubs.

Conte succeeded Nuno Espirito Santo after the Portuguese was given the quick hook by Daniel Levy. Seven months later, that decision has been more than justified.

Indeed, Tottenham are within a point of Champions League qualification after dismantling bitter rivals Arsenal on Thursday night. What’s more, Spurs have the easier fixtures on paper for the run-in.

Combined with the twin arrivals of Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur in January, Tottenham have the look of a club with a clear plan and are trending in the right direction.

However, a premature Antonio Conte exit would halt their progress in its tracks.

Murmurings of Conte discontent have bubbled up at various points throughout the season. And speaking to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Conte’s agent shed light on what the future holds.

Conte signed an 18-month deal, meaning next season will be his last if an extension isn’t penned. However, agent Federico Pastorello admitted there is a 30-40 percent chance Conte might walk early this summer.

Conte “satisfied” but could still walk

Hinting why, Pastorello spoke on the winning mentality that drives Conte and his quest for trophies.

Despite transforming Spurs in such a short space of time, few would expect them to challenge Liverpool and Man City for the Premier League title next year.

“He is obsessed with victories, that’s why he is one of the most winning coaches out there,” said Pastorello (via Football Italia).

“He has the ability to change a team, but obviously, that’s not enough to win in the Premier League.

“Sometimes he is perceived as a difficult coach but if I were a director, I’d want a winning coach, not one that makes me live peacefully.

“He is satisfied with the team, I think he has 60-70% chance to stay.”

Antonio Conte exit would devastate Tottenham

For the first time since the Mauricio Pochettino era, Spurs look a club united.

Conte is already a favourite with the crowd and his reputation and end results have ensured his sometimes defensive tactics aren’t met with disdain by the fans.

Their last two signings were big hits and it’s strongly expected Spurs will make Kulusevski’s loan move permanent this summer.

Conte thoroughly outmanaged Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on Thursday night. What’s more, he has gone unbeaten in his three matches against City and Liverpool since taking charge.

That indicates his tactical nous given the comparatively lesser squad and resources he has to work with. If Spurs are to continue moving forward, simply put, they must keep Conte around.