Pundit reveals what's behind Conte's latest interview and why Italian coach failed at Tottenham

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ByLorenzo Bettoni

Feb 16, 2024 13:44

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte reacts during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on March 18, 2023. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Antonio Conte’s latest interview with The Telegraph has sparked even more rumours on the Italian tactician’s future, suggesting that a return to Serie A is not the only option for the ex-Juventus and Inter coach.

Conte released a lengthy interview with The Telegraph earlier this week, discussing his private and professional life and his plans for the future.

Conte has been linked with Milan and Napoli, but a return to Juventus is also an option for the 54-year-old, who left Tottenham by mutual agreement in March 2023.

Serie A pundit Massimo Callegari feels Conte’s decision to break the silence after several months with an interview with an English newspaper is not a coincidence.

“I wouldn’t underestimate the decision to be interviewed by a prestigious foreign publication, not an Italian one,” the journalist wrote on Calciomercato.com.

“What Conte wanted a few months ago, after leaving Tottenham, may no longer be valid. He wants to return to Serie A and stay close to his family. It’s a priority but not an absolute necessity. He has the ambition to coach a top club and is ready to listen to offers from organised clubs with a full trophy cabinet,” continued Callegari.

“This means that Milan and Juventus have more chances than Napoli. Conte wants an environment where players do not require to change training sessions depending on their kids’ timetable at school (he also experienced this over the last few years). Conte has reached his targets almost all the time, but at Tottenham, he trusted his qualities too much, underestimating the importance of the context.”

Conte won the Serie A title four times as a coach, three times at Juventus and once at Inter. He also reached a Europa League Final with the Nerazzurri, in his first season at the club in 2019-10.

The Italian tactician, a former Juventus midfielder, also won a Premier League title and an FA Cup at Chelsea during a two-year stay at Stamford Bridge.