Solidifying The Charge – Turning The Race For 4th Into Long Term Quality

Murmurs about Conte’s effectiveness as manager have been swiftly dealt with since the turn of the year. iNews highlights how the attacking prowess of Kane, Son and Kuluvevski have reinvigorated the side, with a newfound defensive backing them up – only Man City and Liverpool have conceded fewer goals over the last six games. This charge up the table has been a breath of fresh air for Tottenham, and it could be something that lasts – with the right planning. 

Building consistency

As the BBC’s Emma Sanders highlights, Spurs have struggled for consistency so far this season. The longest winning streak of the season was just four matches long, and ended in early April. The back-to-back wins secured then were rare. Spurs have struggled for consistency in recent years, and arguably since the Champions League final appearance. Accusations of the club being ‘Spursy’ are one of the first entries on the Premier League bingo card, and ending that perception will be key. Many of the best sides in the league went through similar periods of transition – many of Liverpool’s results, and runs, were tragic before they really cemented their place. There is a chance for Tottenham to experience the same ascendency, though it arguably relies on one factor in particular.

Retaining Conte

Antonio Conte is now making all of the right noises when it comes to the manager gig. According to Football.London, he has confirmed his intention to stay at Tottenham for a longer period of time than his initial contract. Don’t underestimate how huge this is. You can look to Man Utd as an example of where inconsistencies in coaching has led to a malaise – when you know the manager is on the way out, how can you make signings for the future, build the team, and build a sense of cohesion? It’s notable that Conte made one specific call, however, and that’s for Levy to match his own ambition.

Making the signings

The transfer business most recently conducted by Tottenham has been generally positive. Kulusevski has been a hit, Gil is looking promising for the future, and Emerson Royale has some polishing left but has immense application across the field. With Kane looking more likely to stay, too – Man City won’t need him with Haaland likely to come in, and Man Utd arguably being a downgrade – there are positive signs. Levy, however, needs to continue to back Conte. His transfer record is solid enough, especially in recent years, with his Inter signings being targeted and shrewd. Conte has signalled his commitment to the club, and he must be backed in order for Spurs to really make long-term progress.

The fact is that the current team is strong. It built a big end-of-season charge into the Champions League spots, though unthinkable after the first 10 or so games. Consistency will come with further coaching and, crucially, transfer backing.