Antonio Conte sends pointed Tottenham dig in fresh criticism of former club

Antonio Conte had a fiery period as Tottenham boss that eventually ended with him taking aim at the club’s players, owners and culture – now the Napoli boss has again opened fire

Antonio Conte maintains he got the “maximum possible” out of Tottenham and pointed to their decline after his departure.

The Italian spent just shy of 18 months at the helm in north London but left after he took aim at the club, its chairman and their culture. Conte arrived and was tasked with guiding Tottenham into Europe and finally ending their lengthy trophy drought.

He was able to lift them into the Champions League in his first season before things rapidly declined in his final weeks. He inherited a team that included the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min but claims he was asked to perform “miracles”.

Conte maintains he did all he could to rinse the most out of the squad, enjoying one summer transfer window, but could only work within the limits of his squad and has referenced their failure to make the Champions League following his abrupt departure.

He told DAZN: “I realise there are expectations, but if you go where there are difficulties… I think Tottenham did incredibly well, because they were ninth when I arrived and we got into the Champions League. The two years after I left, which was for personal reasons, they did not qualify for the Champions League.

“I think I achieved a lot there too. If people ask me for miracles, then I can speed them up and get the best out of the squad, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we can win. I think I got the maximum possible out of that Tottenham side.

In his final weeks Conte became increasingly rattled and looked to blame others. Tottenham were dumped out of the FA Cup by Sheffield United and his frustration peaked when they gave up a two-goal lead at Southampton before drawing 3-3.