MY ACCOUNT
Antonio Conte is “100 per cent sure” that Tottenham must improve if they are to close the gap to the Premier League’s leading teams.
Conte replaced Nuno Espirito Santo as head coach on November 2, winning six, drawing three and losing two in 11 games at the helm so far.
Spurs are sixth in the Premier League – although they have games in hand on all the teams above them – and are into the semi-finals of the EFL Cup, with Conte’s former side Chelsea their opponents.
Tottenham also crashed out of the Europa Conference League at the group stage after their final game against Rennes – in which they needed a win – could not be rescheduled after the initial fixture was postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
Conte knows the club will not be able to compete at the highest level if reinforcements are not brought in and believes he has worked out which players he can rely on and which need to be offloaded.
“For sure [Tottenham need new signings in January]. After only two weeks I said we needed to improve the quality of this squad and for sure we need to,” said Conte.
“I was sure after seven to 10 days about this and then I had to make the evaluation over who I can count on and who I can’t.
“The gap is very large and we need to work a lot and try to build and improve our squad.
“Yes, I think [my evaluation is complete]. Not I think, I’m sure 100 per cent. I made the evaluation after two months of work with my players. For sure now the situation is more clear than before.
“I am waiting to have a meeting with the club and then also to give my opinion about the squad and what I think about our situation. For sure I am waiting for a meeting.”
Spurs captain and first-choice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris’ contract expires at the end of the season and Conte is hopeful the 35-year-old will choose to extend his stay in London.
“Hugo is a Tottenham player, he’s the captain,” Conte continued. “For sure he will talk with the club to try to find a solution.
“I think [he wants to stay]. I think Hugo wants to stay in his club, he loves the club, he stays well in Tottenham. This could be his opinion.”
Following a frustrating 1-1 draw against 10-man Southampton, Spurs face Watford on New Year’s Day in the hopes of closing the gap to the top four.
