Tottenham fans ought to be encouraged by the imminent appointment of Antonio Conte as it represents a serious statement of intent, according to Simon Jordan.
talkSPORT understands Spurs are ready to announce the former Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan manager as their new boss after a breakthrough in negotiations.
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The Italian boasts an incredible CV, breeding success from mediocrity wherever he goes, most recently ending nine years of Juve dominance to win Serie A with Inter.
Conte lifted the Premier League and FA Cup with Chelsea over a two-year spell, but his tenure turned sour, eventually resulting in an acrimonious exit and legal battle with the Blues.
Former Palace owner Jordan previously suggested Tottenham would be a ‘match made in hell’ for Conte, a demanding character who may not find Spurs chairman Daniel Levy so accommodating.
However, Jordan insists the move shows that Tottenham want to have a real go at success – otherwise Conte would not pick them over the numerous other top clubs chasing him.
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“Fans should be massively encouraged, because Conte doesn’t suffer fools gladly,” he told talkSPORT.
“I don’t always like his style of operation and I think he can be a difficult and divisive character, but you find me a football manager who isn’t and I’ll probably tell you he isn’t a very good football manager!
“If you go and get Conte in at Tottenham Hotspur you’re saying something quite significant. The fact he’ll come to Tottenham is actually more significant, because Conte is not coming for nothing.
“He’s not coming because he wants to be part of ‘the project’, he’s not coming because he wants to get a big bag of money, because he could get that at most places.
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“He’s coming because he’s ready to go, and that means Tottenham are in business mode and that means, I suspect, Tottenham are going to have a go.
“Because Levy needs to, he’s got this bloody big stadium and all of his marketing activity, and his advertising is great, but his product ain’t so dandy!
“I wouldn’t put Tottenham as one of the favourites for the title if he goes there, look at their squad. Comparing Inter Milan and Serie A to the current condition of Man City and a rebooted Liverpool… it’s a stretch.
“I think it really tells you something about where Tottenham are trying to go. If they can get Conte across the line, it must tell Tottenham fans, this is ‘go mode’ for Tottenham now again.
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“This sends out a really big statement. I can’t imagine why Conte is going to Tottenham unless he’s got absolutely surety that he’s going to be backed.
“Otherwise what’s he going there for? He’s just won the Serie A title and he’ll have an embarrassment of riches of clubs interested in him.
“Why Tottenham? Because Tottenham must be whispering something in his ear he likes to hear.”
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