Chelsea losses aside, Conte has done remarkable job at Tottenham

Aside from today’s defeat to Chelsea, Antonio Conte has exceeded expectations at Tottenham in his first 10 matches in charge. 

Conte suffered his first defeat as Tottenham manager in 10 top flight matches. When looking at the players in his side and at his disposal, you can only applaud the gaffer’s outstanding work since arriving in early November.

Tottenham’s current squad, based on individual merit, is not equipped to make a top-four challenge. Yet Conte has his side within reach of a top-four berth. Now take into consideration the injuries he’s been faced with.

Cristian Romero suffered a long-term hamstring injury two weeks after Conte’s arrival. Son Heung-min went down with a muscle injury. Harry Kane missed some time and so too did Eric Dier, compounding Conte’s defensive problems. Steven Bergwijn, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon, Ryan Sessegnon, Emerson Royal, Oliver Skipp have all spent time on the treatment table.

Oh, and the fact that Tottenham suffered the worst Covid-19 outbreak of any Premier League team this season goes to show the smack-your-face adversity Conte has dealt with in a relatively short time in north London.

While three losses on the trot to Chelsea show the level of disparity between Spurs and England’s elite teams, Conte has spearheaded an improbable revival, putting his side in the best possible position heading into the business end of the campaign.

Conte needs help now

But make no mistake, he needs help. And he needs it now. Everyone involved with Tottenham, including their millions of worldwide supporters, have been saying it for ages, at ad nauseam. Spurs need an injection of new, accomplished blood to come in and improve the overall level.

Without reinforcements, and it pains me to admit this, Tottenham do not have the overall quality needed to take part in the Champions League. They have a large portion of the pre-requisite pedigree, but require a few additional puzzle pieces to compete with the world’s best.

Conte can only paper over the cracks for so long, which he’s done with dogged determination and relentless work on the training pitch. But hard work is only part of the equation to be an elite team. That determination must be matched with widespread quality, which, at various positions, Tottenham palpably lacks.

Conte has taken the current version of his squad as far as he can. Tottenham have about a week to strengthen their squad and provide the support Conte is in desire need of. Otherwise a top four spot is even beyond Conte’s otherworldly managerial abilities.