Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Kulusevski declares whether he made the right choice joining Tottenham; reveals what Conte is really like

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte and winger Dejan Kulusevski speaking at a press conference

Dejan Kulusevski was in no doubt as to whether leaving Juventus for Tottenham was the right move, and explained what makes Antonio Conte so different to other managers.

The Sweden international, 21, left Turin for north London last winter. Kulusevski agreed to an 18-month loan that contained an option to buy. If certain targets are met, the option will become an obligation to buy worth around £31m to Juventus.

Kulusevski flew out of the traps upon arriving, notching 13 goal contributions in his first 18 league matches.

He made the right wing his own and immediately struck up an excellent relationship with fellow forwards Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.

That trio helped fire Tottenham to fourth sport at the expense of bitter rivals Arsenal. Kulusevski has begun the new campaign well, though now faces greater competition for minutes following the signing of Richarlison.

Regardless, Antonio Conte is building a formidable Spurs outfit and Kulusevski is very much a part of his plans.

Now, speaking to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Kulusevski has opened up on whether leaving Italian powerhouse Juventus for Tottenham was the right call.

Joining Spurs “best [choice] I could have made”

“I never changed anything about myself: Mentally I always went on the pitch to give my best,” said Kulusevski (via Goal).

“At Juve, however, it didn’t work beyond what I tried to do.

“Certainly at Juventus I didn’t feel very well for many reasons and when you realise that things are not going [well] it is difficult to reverse the course.

“The choice to leave was the best I could have made.”

Kulusevski is in no doubt joining a Conte-led Tottenham was the right call. Given Spurs’ rise and Kulusevski’s development in such a short space of time, it’s clear the right decision was made.

Expanding further on how he’s been able to improve, the Swede added: “I’m great in England.

“Everything is better, both on and off the pitch. Now I really always want to play and win.

“At Tottenham my body has changed thanks to exercises in the gym. We work a lot every day and better than I did in Italy.”

Kulusevski on what Conte is really like

Conte has had a transformational effect on Tottenham and his players are reaping the rewards.

Few would bet against Harry Kane’s quest for silverware ending while Conte is at the helm.

Furthermore, Eric Dier is back in the mix with England, while the whole squad are back in the Champions League after a two-year absence.

Conte is the catalyst driving Tottenham forward and Kulusevski claimed his motivation levels and inner drive are the secret behind his success.

“I am very happy to play for him,” he continued. “I have never met a motivated person like Antonio Conte.

“One like that when he speaks to you, enters your heart.”

He added: “Is there a lot of difference between [his most recent Juventus manager] Allegri and Conte?

“Honestly, yes, even if I have great respect for both of them because they have won so much, but the job and the idea of ​​football are completely different.

“At Spurs the world changed me.”