Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte sounds prepared to give his all to the club through the end of the season amid a brutal year for the 53-year-old.
“Until the end, I am ready to die for this club, but then we’ll see because I’m not so stupid to continue to kill myself,” Conte told reporters during a Friday news conference, per Sky Sports News.
Tottenham announced on Feb. 1 that Conte needed surgery for the removal of his gallbladder, and he subsequently missed a 1-0 win over Manchester City before he returned to work a 4-1 loss to Leicester City and a 1-0 defeat at AC Milan in the first leg of a UEFA Champions League tie. However, he had to step away a second time to continue his recovery, and Tottenham then earned a pair of Premier League victories with assistant Cristian Stellini handling match-day duties.
Amid reports of Conte’s imminent return, Tottenham were bounced from the FA Cup by Sheffield United and then fell to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league last Saturday. The Italian boss did little to motivate the troops in his first match back Wednesday, as Tottenham failed to score against AC Milan and were eliminated from the Champions League.
Conte hearing boos from frustrated fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday was the latest blow in a year that has included the manager losing three close friends since October, including Tottenham fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone. Despite being out of contract at the end of the campaign, Conte suggested on Friday he isn’t already dreaming of returning to Italy. His wife and daughter continue to live in his native land while he works in England.
“Now after one year and a half, the club knows me, I know the club and it is clear this situation,” Conte said. “We have to finish the season, and then we will see. The club knows very well my thoughts. I am ready to die for this club until the end of the season.”
Despite their recent woes, Tottenham remain fourth in the Premier League table and can still control their destiny for next season’s Champions League competition. Conte’s Spurs host Nottingham Forest (14th in the league) on Saturday.
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