Two reasons Antonio Conte could be convinced to take Tottenham job

Antonio Conte is again favoured to take the helm at Tottenham once Daniel Levy gives Nuno Espirito Santo his marching orders. 

While Nuno’s future is yet to be decided, it’s hard to conceive of any other outcome than the Portuguese manager being shown the door. That would mean we yet again revert back to square one, awaiting the next brave (or foolhardy) manager to take the post.

Daniel Levy has reportedly reached out to Conte in the past 24 hours, yet again trying to convince the charismatic Italian to take a gargantuan risk and commit to the Spurs job. You’ll recall Spurs’ summer advances on Conte, who was reportedly close to accepting Levy’s lucrative offer.

Conte will be happy to see Kane still at Spurs

However, Levy and Conte remained at loggerheads on a few main sticking points. Conte wanted a guarantee that Harry Kane would not be sold while also demanding full autonomy for all on-pitch decisions. While Levy conceded on the latter, he was unable to provide the Italian with a guarantee that Kane would stay put for one more season.

Now that Kane, at least temporarily, remains in north London, the window to convince Conte has reopened. Conte is not opposed to reuniting with compatriot Fabio Paratici, who worked alongside the Italian gaffer at Juventus.

Conte prefers United

Unfortunately one gargantuan impediment remains in Spurs’ quest to lure Conte to north London: It comes in the form of the side that put Spurs to the sword on Saturday. Manchester United is also on the hunt for an elite manager, and Conte’s name has risen to the top of the northern club’s candidate list.

If it comes down to a choice between United and Spurs, we all know who Conte will choose. United is an immeasurably more alluring job opportunity. If United decide to pursue Conte, Tottenham will assuredly lose out.

United are currently biding their time, waiting to determine Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s fate at the club. They’re also pondering the prospect of turning to French legend Zinedine Zidane, who would be a perfect fit for the Red Devils. If United prefer Zidane, Spurs’ chances of landing Conte improve dramatically.

Being Spurs saviour appeals to Conte

There is also context to consider. Conte is a maverick who operates with unparalleled hubris. He flourishes against the odds and feels compelled to take on immense challenges. There is no challenge more immense than the Spurs project. Tottenham have hit rock bottom and Conte has a golden opportunity to become the saviour in north London, a role the Italian would relish.

United, though, are entrenched in a similarly forlorn state of affairs. Which leads one to believe that United, if they want him, will secure Conte’s signature. The only way Conte is coming to Tottenham is if he believes the United option is a dead end.

Let’s hope for everyone’s sake the Red Devils are either willing to give Ole time to turn it around or are more partial to a having a Frenchman take the reins.