Tottenham did their best in the transfer window, according to Antonio Conte, but he believes they are still far behind the finest teams in the Premier League.
Spurs bought seven new players in the summer, but Conte insisted that they only spent large money on two experienced Premier League players, Richarlison from Everton and Yves Bissouma from Brighton.
Only adolescent left-back Destiny Udogie was signed in August, and he was loaned back to Udinese. The previous signing was Djed Spence in mid-July, and Conte was quick to make out that he had a long-term commitment.
Spurs had previously signed Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster on free transfers, Clement Lenglet on loan, Bissouma for £30 million, and Richarlison for £60 million.
“If you sign a player for £80 million, you have a great advantage because it means you’re buying a good player,” Conte remarked on Thursday, addressing for the first time since the transfer market closed. ‘It’s a different story if you can sign players for free or on loan.’
‘We did the best we could. We did good things, but I have to be honest: if I say we have the squad of a top team, there is still a long way to go, and we need to remember that we have only just begun this process of improving the squad. .’ We signed players at the proper time because the vision for the money was clear, but we only spent it on two players, Richarlison and Bissouma. The others are on free loan. We accomplished everything correctly. But, if anyone thinks we’ve finished the situation, they’re mistaken.
‘To be competitive and battle for a place in the Champions League, you need at least three more transfer windows to improve and attempt to be at the same level as the other elite clubs.’
We have to be realistic; there are clubs that can invest a lot of money, and there are clubs that can only invest a little money, and it’s difficult.’
Spence cost Middlesbrough £13 million, but Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino regards him as a possibility who, like others in his club such as Bryan Gil and Pape Matar Sarr, requires time to develop.
Conte refused to let Sarr or Gil go on loan unless they could be replaced before the transfer deadline, therefore they are still in North London.
‘I was extremely clear with the club,’ claimed the Tottenham manager. ‘If someone goes on loan, another player must come in.’ Otherwise, having training sessions is difficult for me.’ We’re talking about some incredibly promising young guys. They must work hard like Spence in order to progress and become future Tottenham players.
‘This must be crystal clear. Young youngster, good prospect, but we also need players who can play in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.’ Ready to play with ambition, not just to play and improve throughout the game, because the end result is critical for us. For myself, the club, the supporters, and everyone else. The demand is high, and we must be aware that we must be prepared to meet it.’