Antonio Conte concedes turning around Tottenham’s fortunes is the ‘biggest challenge’ of his career

Antonio Conte admits the task of reviving this fading Tottenham team is the biggest challenge of his coaching career.

After a month in charge, Conte has revealed he wants to strip Spurs back and ‘start again’ with new foundations, plans not helped by the injury to Cristian Romero, which could rule the defender out until February.

‘It is my biggest challenge but I’m not scared,’ said the 52-year-old Italian, ahead of tonight’s game against Brentford, the first of 10 fixtures in a month.

Antonio Conte has admitted turning around Tottenham’s fortunes is his biggest challenge

‘The club has been slipping. When I was in Chelsea, Tottenham was very competitive and a really strong team. To lose important players, or because some became old and then to have a change of generation, I think Tottenham now is paying for this.

‘We have to create, start again. We have to create a solid base and build to come back and fight for something important as in the past. We must be honest. But it doesn’t mean we don’t want to think great. We need to think great. But, in this moment, we have to know we are here.’

Conte refused to cast the January transfer window as a possible solution to his problems.

‘I’m not a manager who arrives and says, “I want this and this and this” or “I want top, top, top”. I didn’t spend a lot of money with Inter, with Chelsea, with Juventus. I’m a person who believes in my work.

‘I know that to improve and be competitive you also need quality but we need a little time also have a vision. The only thing I can assure a club is my knowledge, my experience, my mentality and my honesty.

Conte’s side has endured some chastening results, including a defeat by Mura in Europe

‘We need time and a vision but to do it like this is impossible,’ added Conte, clicking his fingers for effect. ‘But I think I’m the right person for this project.’

Tottenham are resigned to weeks without Romero who suffered hamstring damage while on international duty with Argentina last month.

‘The news is not positive, not good,’ said Conte. ‘The injury is serious. It will take time to see him again. It will be next year. January, February, I don’t know but, for sure, in 2021, he has finished playing. It is a shame because he is an important player.’

Former Manchester City star Yaya Toure, 38, is spending time at Tottenham’s training ground, working with academy players as he studies for his UEFA A coaching licence.

Former Manchester City star Yaya Toure, 38, is spending time at Tottenham’s training ground