Champions League qualification would be a good season for Spurs, says Conte

Finishing within the Champions League locations would characterize a profitable season for Tottenham Hotspur, supervisor Antonio Conte mentioned on Thursday, regardless of the Premier League facet not getting near capturing any silverware this 12 months.

The north London membership goes into Saturday’s conflict at Southampton fourth within the standings on 48 factors, two behind Manchester United in third which has a recreation in hand.

However, it might really feel some added strain after it crashed out of the Champions League to AC Milan and the FA Cup following a 1-0 loss at Sheffield United over the previous two weeks.

“For sure it will be a good achievement to finish in Europe this season, like last season. I think in every season, to finish in the top four means you had a good season,” Conte advised a news convention.

The coach may have an unchanged squad out there for the Southampton recreation, with key gamers Ryan Sessegnon, Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur and Hugo Lloris nonetheless out with long-term accidents.

Conte added that captain and goalkeeper Lloris could be his first alternative as soon as he returns, regardless of back-up Fraser Forster’s spectacular performances.

“For sure Fraser is playing very well. He’s showing to be a reliable player. He’s showing to be a really good guy,” Conte mentioned.

“Hugo is our keeper but before (coming) back he has to (be) well. We won’t force the situation because he, Fraser, deserves credit. We are really happy with Fraser but when Hugo will be ready he is our first choice.”

The Italian additionally shrugged off questions on his future at Tottenham, together with his contract set to run out on the finish of the season.

“I think there is not one club that can tell the manager ‘You stay here until the end of the season’,” Conte mentioned.

“You know, football is really strange. You don’t know what happens tomorrow, you understand. But I repeat: in my opinion, we try in every moment to do everything, me and my staff. And I think the club appreciates this.”