The choice between Conte and Pochettino is clear for Tottenham
By Gary Pearson
If both Mauricio Pochettino and Antonio Conte are persuaded by forthcoming advances, the choice about who to hire is clear for Tottenham Hotspur.
Antonio Conte has a far superior CV than his Argentine counterpart. A four-time Scudetto winner, Conte lifted Juventus to the Serie A title in three successive seasons before winning with Inter just a few weeks ago. In his brief time in charge at Chelsea, Conte won the Premier League and the FA Cup. He was also the runner-up with Inter in the 2019-20 Europa League.
Known for his larger-than-life, charismatic and intense personality, Conte wears his heart on his sleeve every time he takes to the touchline. He prowls back and forth like a caged jaguar, finding it difficult to stay within his technical area. Incessantly barking instructions to his players, Conte is one of the most engaged, committed managers in world football. Which is why it is reported Spurs approached him with a £17 million per-season contract offer.
On the flip side, Conte is a quintessentially polarizing figure. He rarely stays at a club long term, a common trait of most modern managers, and has no aversion to creating — or being a part of — drama.
For all of his accolades, expertise and desirable qualities, Conte is not Pochettino.
An inferior CV, while important, pales in comparison to the intangibles Pochettino offers. He’s the best man for the job and, if push comes to shove, Tottenham’s clear choice to lead the club’s forthcoming rebuild.