Antonio Conte relishes one of his ‘biggest achievements’ after guiding Tottenham to Champions League

Antonio Conte has hailed guiding Tottenham to the Champions League as one of his ‘biggest achievements in management’.

The Italian joined the north London side in November after Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked and lifted them into the fourth and final spot for Europe’s top competition, sealing qualification on the final day with a 5-0 win against Norwich. 

And Conte told BBC Sport that Spurs having the chance to dine at the top table next season was a ‘great opportunity’.

Antonio Conte said guiding Spurs to the Champions League is one of his biggest achievements

Tottenham sealed fourth spot with a 5-0 win against Norwich on the last day of the campaign

He said: ‘It was a perfect day for us. We got a place in the Champions League. For a club like Tottenham to play Champions League is a great opportunity. It was not easy because in England the league is very difficult. There are many top teams. To get a place in the Champions League means we did something excellent.

‘I was very clear with my players and the media. I said now I feel we are ready and can fight until the end. It was the perfect moment. The players know very well our schedule.

‘We made a paper with our games and it was a fantastic run apart from Brighton. We got fantastic results and now we’re talking about the Champions League. It’s great for everyone at Tottenham.’

The Italian added that having the chance to be in Europe next season was a ‘great opportunity’

And when asked if it was one of his biggest achievements of his career, the Italian answered in the affirmative.

He added: ‘I think so. Honestly it’s never positive to come into a team during the season. For me it was a big challenge, maybe the biggest challenge in my career. I wanted to prove myself in a different situation with a lot of problems to solve. I’m really satisfied.’

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners were in pole position for fourth but dropped points in the last few weeks of the season, allowing Conte’s side to nip ahead. Arsenal beat Everton 5-1 on the final day but still finished two points behind Tottenham.