“I think Ange should let him leave by January even for a price below €20m, his performance is not up to the standard of Tottenham, he’s lacking so many things which is affecting the TEAM, he need to change environment to recover his style of play, this is why Conte was reluctant to sign him
Antonio Conte’s tenure at Tottenham Hotspur was a rollercoaster of ambition, frustration, and unfulfilled potential. The seasoned Italian coach arrived in November 2021 with a glittering CV that included league titles in Italy and England, raising expectations among Spurs fans hungry for silverware. However, by March 2023, Conte’s time in North London came to an end by mutual agreement, leaving a mixed legacy. While his record—41 wins in 76 matches—was respectable, the lack of tangible progress in trophy pursuits left many feeling underwhelmed.
Domestic Challenges and Unmet Expectations
Conte’s reign saw some bright moments but ultimately fell short of delivering the success Spurs craved. In the domestic cups, the team’s journey ended prematurely. The closest they came to glory was the Carabao Cup semi-final during his debut season, but hopes of lifting a trophy were dashed. In both of Conte’s campaigns, Spurs were eliminated in the fifth round of the FA Cup, a competition fans had hoped would finally break the club’s long-standing silverware drought.
The second season was particularly disappointing, as significant summer spending in 2022 raised expectations for a stronger push in domestic and European competitions. Yet, results on the pitch did not align with the resources invested.
A Big Summer of Transfers
The summer of 2022 was a pivotal moment for Conte’s Spurs. The club brought in eight players, reflecting their determination to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. Notable among these were Richarlison, who joined from Everton for £60 million, and Yves Bissouma, acquired from Brighton for a fee rising to £35 million with add-ons. Both signings were seen as statements of intent, though their immediate impact varied.
Another marquee addition was Cristian Romero, whose loan move from Atalanta was made permanent for £42.5 million. The Argentine defender quickly became a cornerstone of the Spurs backline, showcasing his combative and tenacious style. Free transfers also bolstered the squad, with Ivan Perisic bringing experience and versatility, and Fraser Forster providing a reliable backup in goal.
Among the signings, Destiny Udogie stood out as a promising prospect, though he remained on loan at Udinese for the 2022/23 season. Yet not all investments yielded dividends. The acquisition of Djed Spence, a highly-rated right-back from Middlesbrough, highlighted the disconnect between Conte and the club’s recruitment strategy.
The Djed Spence Conundrum
Spence’s move to Spurs in the summer of 2022 seemed full of promise. After playing a pivotal role in Nottingham Forest’s promotion to the Premier League, the £12.5 million signing was viewed as a long-term solution at right-back. However, Conte’s lukewarm endorsement of the transfer signaled trouble. The manager openly stated that Spence was a “club decision” rather than his own, casting doubt on the player’s prospects under his stewardship.
Despite his potential, Spence struggled for game time, managing just 11 appearances for Spurs across two seasons. Loan spells at Leeds United and Genoa during the 2023/24 campaign provided him with opportunities to gain experience, but his future at Tottenham remains uncertain. Current manager Ange Postecoglou faces a decision on whether to integrate Spence into his plans or facilitate a move elsewhere. For the 23-year-old, once lauded as “Premier League quality” by scout Jacek Kulig, reigniting his career is now a pressing priority.
What Went Wrong for Conte?
Conte’s time at Tottenham was marked by a clash of philosophies. His demand for immediate success often conflicted with the club’s emphasis on long-term squad development. The failure to achieve harmony in this regard likely contributed to the team’s underwhelming results. Moreover, inconsistent performances, injuries to key players, and an inability to adapt tactically in crucial moments compounded the frustrations.
Legacy and Lessons
Though Conte’s tenure ended without silverware, it served as a reminder of the challenges involved in balancing ambition with practicality. For Spurs, the post-Conte era under Ange Postecoglou has been about resetting expectations and building a team that reflects a cohesive vision. Players like Bissouma and Udogie are now integral to the project, while the jury remains out on others, such as Richarlison and Spence.
In retrospect, Conte’s stint at Spurs will likely be remembered as a period of transition rather than transformation—a time when the club came close to breaking through but ultimately fell short. The lessons learned could, however, pave the way for future success, ensuring that the Conte era, while not triumphant, remains a crucial chapter in Tottenham’s story.