Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Antonio Conte reaction: ‘Perfect day’ as Tottenham boss overcomes his ‘biggest ever challenge’

Antonio Conte Norwich v Tottenham

Antonio Conte hailed a ‘perfect day’ for Tottenham after they secured their place in the Champions League next season after a 5-0 rout at Norwich on the final day of the season.

A double from Son Heung-min, which earned him a share of the Golden Boot, two goals from Dejan Kulusevski and a Harry Kane header ensured Spurs finished fourth, with Conte turning the club around after taking over in November.

And speaking after the game at Carrow Road, he told BBC Sport: “It was a perfect day for us. We got a place in the Champions League. I think for a club like Tottenham to play Champions League is a great opportunity.

“It was not easy because in England the league is very difficult. There are many top teams. To get a place in the Champions League means we did something excellent.

“Nine games ago [he believed they could finish fourth]. I was very clear with my players and the media. I said now I feel we are ready and can fight until the end. It was the perfect moment.

“The players know very well our schedule. We made a paper with our games and it was a fantastic run apart from Brighton. We got fantastic results and now we’re talking about the Champions League. It’s great for everyone at Tottenham.

Conte overcomes biggest challenge

“I think so [it’s one of his biggest achievements]. Honestly it’s never positive to come into a team during the season. For me it was a big challenge, maybe the biggest challenge in my career. When I stay at the top level as a coach.

“I wanted to prove myself in a different situation with a lot of problems to solve. I’m really satisfied. I want to thank my staff and my players. If we were able to reach this big achievement, it’s because everyone gave everything.”

Son Heung Min Tottenham celeb v Norwich

On Son-Heung min sharing the Golden Boot, he added: “This was our target. First to get in the Champions League but then when there was a chance to help Sonny reach the top scorer, we enjoyed it.

“I have seen his team-mates try to help him. The award is for Son but it’s for the whole team. They helped him reach this big achievement.”

Son savours Golden Boot moment

Son Heung-min was also thrilled after earning a share of the Golden Boot with Liverpool’s Mo Salah.

The South Korean added: “It’s incredible to have this award. I can’t believe it, I got really emotional. I dreamed of it as a child. Literally it’s my in hands. I can’t believe it.

“Until my goal I was really frustrated that I missed big chances. I told the players I missed the easiest chances and scored one of the toughest tones. I didn’t give up and wanted to score today. The team helped me a lot at half-time. They wanted to help me, you could see it today.

“This season was a great lesson. Next season we can look forward to the Champions League. Everyone deserves to be there.

“Conte gives us so many different things. Before he came here nobody believed we’d reach the Champions League.”

On the trophy: “It’s really heavy, I wasn’t expecting that. It was a great, great day for me.”

REPORT: Tottenham secure Champions League spot as Son claims share of Golden Boot in Norwich rout