Three things Conte would bring quicky to Tottenham Hotspur

The noise around the idea of Antonio Conte being the next Tottenham Hotspur manager is starting to get louder following the sacking of Nuno Santo. The Italian manager is a proven winner and a no-nonsense coach, who demands effort and intensity from all of his squad. It will ultimately take time for all of Conte’s tactics and approach to come to fruition. However, assuming reports are true and Conte is the next Spurs boss, here are three ways Conte will improve Tottenham almost immediately.

Conte will get Spurs to play with width

Despite having a lot of players who can claim their best position on the pitch is out wide on one side or another, Tottenham has struggled to get consistent wide play this season. With the wide attacking forwards usually playing inverted, things tend to get pushed centrally for Spurs. Under Antonio Conte getting good play on the flanks comes with the territory.

Conte is likely to employ a 3-5-2 or some variation thereof. That approach puts a premium on the wide midfield or wingback position. Although we have seen both Sergio Reguilon and Emerson Royal create some opportunities on the outside this season, it was always secondary to defense.

Under Conte those wide positions have defensive responsibilities they just start much further up the pitch, meaning the players are more committed to attacking. Having more pressure and pushing up the flanks will create more service, which will hopefully produce some shots, something Spurs are struggling to do at the moment.

Conte will give Harry Kane a partner

Harry Kane has been a shocking player for Tottenham this term. His commitment has been questioned following a failed move to Manchester City and his performances only make those questions louder. One way to help a struggling striker is by providing some partnership.

Last season Son Heung-Min and Kane had an amazing connection that has been lost this season. In seasons past Kane has had similar connections with Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen. Those connections all were occurring because of the proximity of their play.

Kane became a very isolated figure in the Santo set-up. Harry is not really an over-the-top striker and dropped deep to make plays less and less under Santo. That is going to change under the new regime.

Whether Conte goes with the 3-5-2 like at Juventus, the 3-4-1-2 like at Inter, or the 3-4-2-1 like at Chelsea, Kane is going to have a partner and some support, maybe even two players. Diego Costa did well connecting with Eden Hazard in Conte’s attacking. Having Kane in the Costa role and Son in Hazard’s position could produce similar results.

Regardless of how Conte deploys the attack, Kane will have some real support and a partner, assuming he plays.

Time for the Tottenham squad to play or pack

Maybe the most exciting thing for Tottenham Hotspur fans about the idea of Antonio Conte being the new coach – and likely scariest for some players – is the fact that Conte can be ruthless. This is not the Mourinho throw you under the bus idea, rather, it is you no longer play and need to leave the club idea.

Too many players have enjoyed life for far too long at N17 without giving their very best every day. That is going to change, as it should under Conte.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is supposed to be the most luxurious in the world, for the fans, not for the players, and certainly not for the opposition. Yes, the dressing room is nice but that nicety needs to be earned and Conte will make sure that is so. For those that do not step up to meet the demands of the coach, expect their stay to come to an end, as Conte is serious about winning.