Hugo Lloris hailed the work of Antonio Conte for inspiring Tottenham to make “real progression” and putting them in contention for European football.
The France international’s future in north London was doubtful in January with just six months left on his contract and the option to negotiate with foreign clubs for an end-of-season free transfer.
However, Spurs captain Lloris committed his future to Conte’s project by signing a new two-and-a-half-year deal to keep him at the Premier League club until the end of the 2023-24 season.
While Spurs’ form nosedived initially in the wake of Lloris’ extension announcement, losing four of their following five Premier League matches, things had started to look up again prior to the international window.
Spurs went into the break having won four out of their past five games in the league, form that has seen them climb up to fifth place with nine fixtures left.
We are delighted to announce that Hugo Lloris has signed a new two-and-a-half-year contract with the Club, which will run until 2024.
While they remain three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, who have played one match fewer, Lloris credited Conte for restoring belief at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
“I extended a month and a half ago. Things were done fairly quickly with the leaders, with a lot of respect and consideration,” Lloris said in an interview with Europe 1, as quoted by FootMercato.
“It’s been two and a half years that we’ve known ups and downs, irregularity in terms of results. But since the arrival of Conte, we feel a real progression.
“We have the feeling that we are crossing a plateau. I think we will be ready to go for the European places.”
The 35-year-old will be hoping Spurs can continue their push for a place in the top four after the international break when they host Newcastle United on April 3.