Calculated Paratici decision drastically helping Tottenham revival

The timing of Antonio Conte‘s appointment was another calculated masterstroke by Fabio Paratici, a decision that has drastically expedited Tottenham’s revival. 

Spurs’ director of football tried his utmost to bring Conte aboard in the summer. Not for lack of trying, Paratici’s numerous summer advances failed. But like most top executives, Paratici wouldn’t take no for an answer, plotting cunningly behind the scenes to secure Conte’s services.

When things started to unravel under Nuno Espirito Santo, Paratici put his master plan into action.

Paratici deserves boundless plaudits for convincing one of the world’s best managers to sign for a side in disarray. The appreciation for Paratici shouldn’t stop there, as the astute Italian pulled the trigger on Nuno’s sacking at the most opportune time.

Conte arrived three days after Nuno’s irreparable 3-0 home defeat to a struggling Manchester United. The Italian gaffer had almost no time to instil his beliefs before Spurs welcomed Vitesse to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

A wild affair saw Spurs hold on to a 3-2 win. Conte then had one away Premier League match, against Everton, before the majority of his new side departed for international duty.

Conte had just enough time, by conveying his passion and desire, to leave a lasting first impression on his new players. He then had almost two weeks to get used to his new digs, to implement a few new rules, to showcase his fervour for fitness, and to work closely with those excluded from national obligations.

As players returned from international break, Conte had a string of winnable Premier League fixtures — against against Leeds, Burnley (postponed), Brentford and Norwich  —  to look forward to. As he would have expected, Spurs won every match, outscoring the opposition 7-1.

Now, after hosting Renne on Thursday, it’s off to Brighton on Sunday before travelling to Leicester, two more winnable fixtures. Though both Brighton and Leicester are, on their day, quality sides, Conte, after picking up confidence and momentum, will fancy his chances in both away tests.

Paratici planned his new gaffer’s arrival perfectly. Conte, in quintessential Conte fashion, has galvanized his new team. He’s making all the right decisions while substantially improving individual performances, defensive organization and collective fitness.

With two more positive results, Conte will be perfectly poised to welcome Liverpool to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 19, a match both Italians have surely circled on their respective calendars.

After entertaining Liverpool, Spurs have another three matches they’ll fancy — home against Palace, away to Southampton and away to Watford — before hosting Arsenal, a match that could determine just how much Spurs have improved under Conte’s expert, impassioned guidance.

Oh, and did I mention the winter transfer window opens on Jan. 1, 2022, a period highly anticipated by supporters and Conte alike.

Paratici should take a bow for not only securing Conte’s services, but also for the way in which he has set his former Juventus colleague up for success.