Conte right to set top four target for Tottenham Hotspur

As much as he has resisted setting the top four as a target, Antonio Conte has stated reaching Champions League is the goal for Tottenham Hotspur, which is the right thing to do. 

A desire to not settle for anything less than first place is something that drives Tottenham Hotspour coach Antonio Conte. His nearly insatiable desire to win was one of the reasons many fans – myself included – wanted Conte as the coach for Tottenham Hotspur. And now that any actual silverware is off the table, stating that reaching the top four and qualifying for the Champions League would be like winning the league is the right thing to do.

Conte setting the target for Tottenham

It was during the post-game press conference following Spurs roaring victory over Everton, so maybe Conte was riding a bit high. However, in addressing the media directly, he noted he is asked about the top four every press conference and that he has addressed the topic with his players. Conte said it was right for the players to take the responsibility for making the top four.

Conte explained that the combination of the improvement since he had arrived along with the January additions making the team more complete has the team in a position to fight for the top four as a target, which seems more possible having won the last two league games on the bounce.

Conte went on to note that seeking a spot in the top four was an important ambition to have and was not something to hide. Rather the team needs to do everything with 12 games to play.

Kane echoing Conte’s words

One of the reasons making this public proclamation was important emerged only a day after Spurs win, as Harry Kane was quoted in the Standard talking about not hiding from the fact Spurs are in the top four race, and cannot reply on the fact they are still learning and improving.

Kane’s words about not hiding from the race and not continuing to make excuses shows Conte’s ideas are paying off.

Whether or not the players take responsibility for themselves and push the team to a top four finish, at least they are taking steps in acknowledging it is on them to make it happen.