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.
Why Pochettino is preferred over Conte
A number of reasons give Pochettino the decisive advantage over Conte. First, you cannot ignore Pochettino’s history with the club. What he accomplished on a comparatively shoestring budget during his reign at Spurs is nothing short of sensational.
Many people are saying his inability to win a trophy in north London makes him a less desirable candidate. However, Pochettino didn’t have full autonomy at Spurs, his transfer requests continually scuppered by Daniel Levy, whose financial commitments revolved almost entirely around Tottenham’s new state-of-the-art stadium.
Pochettino, had he been given complete decision-making authority, would have won a trophy sooner or later. He was prematurely sacked and has unfinished business with his former club, knowing that under the right circumstances he can lead Tottenham to glory.
He’s also loyal and committed to the long-term project, something Tottenham aren’t assured of in Conte’s case. Pochettino already has the support and trust of the core group of players at Hotspur Way. He knows the club intimately and, for a time, got on well with embattled chairman Daniel Levy.
There is no doubt that securing Pochettino’s second stint at Tottenham would represent a huge public relations win for Levy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not the right decision. Pochettino also cares deeply about what happens to Tottenham Hotspur, unlike Conte, who is mainly driven by the alluring financial package on offer.
People are usually more successful when they have an emotional connection, if harnessed appropriately, to the project. Supporters will also be more patient with Pochettino, knowing what to expect of his philosophy and methodologies.
Pochettino will use his connection to the club as a galvanizing force, ensuring optimal chance of success. Thus he is the clear choice to lead Spurs on a journey that will hopefully see the club finally end their going-on 14-year trophy-less streak.