Speaking in a football.london Q&A, reliable reporter Alasdair Gold has shared the one thing Tottenham chiefs behind-the-scenes expect Antonio Conte to do ‘over the coming weeks’.
The Lowdown: Conte shake up?
The four-time Serie A title-winning manager arrives at Tottenham with a glittering CV and the promise of bringing some entertaining football back to north London.
Indeed, as per Italian top-flight experts, Conte is tipped to instil a winning mentality as well as put extra emphasis on quality and hard work in training.
He also comes with the promise of transforming Tottenham into a high-intensity pressing side who will suffocate their opponents and give Lilywhites supporters something to applaud (football.london).
Conte’s links to Serie A’s biggest stars have shown no sign of slowing down but the 52-year-old will have to cope with his current squad until he can look for reinforcements in January.
As such, Gold has now shared what Spurs chiefs are expecting behind-the-scenes as they believe Conte will make one ‘change’.
The Latest: Gold shares behind-the-scenes Conte belief…
Speaking in a football.london Q&A, the reliable journalist explains that there is indeed an ‘expectation within the club’ that Conte will ‘change’ the starting XI and formation ‘over the coming weeks’.
“There’s an expectation within the club that the starting XI and formation will change over the coming weeks,” he explained.
“I think the width from the wing-backs negates the need for wingers up front as well so I think we’ll see a shift to a 3-4-1-2 and yes I reckon two or three faces in the team will be different within a month’s time.
“As for converted wing-backs, Reguilon and Emerson (as well as Sessegnon and Doherty) have the ability to carry out the role so I’m not sure he needs to convert anyone particularly but who knows what the future holds for Lucas/Bergwijn if he did go down that route.”
The Verdict: Conte set to stamp his mark…
If Spurs are correct in their assumption, these next few weeks are set to be an intriguing time as the former Inter Milan manager discovers what is truly his best Lilywhites team.
Largely tipped to play a three-at-the-back formation, promising youngsters like Joe Rodon and Japhet Tanganga could even be called upon more often as centre-back options depending on the form of both Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier.
Working out the kinks to this Tottenham side, Conte’s brilliant average of 2.01 points per match across his managerial career indicates that he is the best man to bring this team back to it’s full potential.
His predecessor Nuno had no luck in this regard, attracting criticism for his boring brand of football and failing to inspire senior Spurs players with any confidence (Football Insider).
Fast forward to now and these same squad members are excited about Conte’s arrival with there being a real buzz at Hotspur Way.
Indeed, as we brace to find out how the Italian will shape this Spurs side, the post-international break will be a crucial period of 2021/2022.
In other news: Spurs hold meeting with club chiefs in London as they enter pole position to sign ‘crazy’ star, find out more here.