Uncertainty has surrounded the future of manager Antonio Conte, whose contract expires at the end of the campaign. This week, he said it was not his sole responsibility to explain the situation at the club and that other figures should be held to account over the team's indifferent form. The Italian has endured a troubled time at Tottenham, questioning the transfer strategy and even if he is the right man for the job. Image source, Getty ImagesTottenham boss Antonio Conte admits his leaky Spurs side must fix the "relegation-like" defensive form that is damaging their top-four bid.
Conte says Spurs must "be realistic" but "at the same time I dream, to play Champions League" and that there are still "18, 19 games left in the Premier League" but that Tottenham need to do "something more if the dream is to become reality". The 53-year-old added that Tottenham "have to improve the spirit, the collaboration, the will, the desire to not concede a goal" following their second-half collapse against Manchester City. He pointed out that Spurs have conceded 21 goals in their past 10 games, "like a team that is fighting for the relegation zone" rather than a top-four contender and says they must "find something they have lost". Follow all of Friday's Premier League press conferences hereImage source, ReutersFormer England midfielder Steve Stone says the "lack of consistent structure" is costing Tottenham as they scrabble to stay in the race for the Premier League's top four. Spurs defended solidly in the first half against Manchester City on Thursday night but wilted in the face of the hosts' recovery after the break and conceded four goals.
(Telegraph - subscription required), externalChelsea are also ready to rival Spurs for Brentford and Spain goalkeeper David Raya, 27, while Spurs also are keen on signing Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak, 30, from Atletico Madrid. (Evening Standard), externalWant more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip columnSpurs boss Antonio Conte speaking after defeat at Manchester City: "This situation [the death of three close friends in recent months] is my personal situation and then [the summer, when Conte is out of contract] will be the time to make the right decision for me, for the future, for my family. It doesn't affect the work and doesn't affect the team.
"I'm really focused. About this aspect I'm an animal. I know what my task is in this situation and then I'm working very hard because I want to improve. I want to improve the team and the club with my vision, with my idea, with my suggestions. "I know that my task is to be part of this process with a team in transition and to start to become solid and build a solid foundation. I try to build a team ready to fight to win. "Anna Howells, Spurs XY, externalHistorically, Tottenham do little business in January, and this season seems to be no exception so far (which is concerning as we continue to leak goals at the back, while also lacking the creativity and skill to outscore opponents).
But we struck gold with last season’s winter window signings Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur. Both fitted straight into the starting line-up, were instrumental in earning Champions League qualification and continue to be an integral part of the team. I guess hindsight tells us that 2020 saw possibly our worst deal when we let Christian Eriksen go to Inter Milan. We have still failed to replace his creativity, free-kicks and goals from midfield. Who did fans of other Premier League clubs select? View the full article hereImage source, BBC SportI originally went for a 3-3 draw when this game was meant to be played, in September, but I am definitely not saying that now.
I know Manchester City have not been at their fluent best recently but they should still have too much for a Tottenham team who have put some in some really disappointing performances. I think it's fair to say that Spurs boss Antonio Conte cuts an unhappy figure at the moment, and you could extend that kind of mood to the entire club - it is not a happy camp. Tottenham beat City home and away last season, but that was when they were playing well. Conte's preferred style of play, to defend deep and break quickly, suits this game very well but, even if they get some joy and Harry Kane scores, City will still win. The defending champions are playing catch-up to Arsenal now, but we are only halfway through the season and things can change very quickly - I still think City will win the title.
He does not hide his discontent well. "Listen to more analysis on Spurs here on BBC SoundsTottenham want to sign 23-year-old Italy midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, who Roma would be prepared to sell or loan out with an obligation to buy. (Sky Sports), externalChelsea have made an inquiry about Tottenham's Mali midfielder Yves Bissouma, 26, but have received no encouragement from Spurs regarding a deal that would send Morocco winger Hakim Ziyech, 29, in the opposite direction.