admin
LONDON. — Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte says he wasn’t “convinced” by the project sold to him by Tottenham’s board during talks to become the English Premiership club’s next manager.
The Italian was in advanced negotiations with Spurs earlier this month with a view to replacing Jose Mourinho in north London.
Conte is well-known for the high demands he places on a club’s board and he left Inter Milan at the end of the season over a dispute over player sales, just a month after guiding the club to the Serie A title.
Daniel Levy, Spurs’ chairman, is famously astute by contrast and after extensive talks with Conte’s representatives the negotiations broke down.
Conte was one of the best paid managers in the world during his time at the San Siro but he’s rejected suggestions his salary demands put him out of reach for Tottenham and says he must be ‘convinced’ by a project before taking charge.
“Money is not my obsession,” said Conte.
“I look at projects and I’m ready to stay at home if they don’t convince me.
“I like difficult challenges but if there is something with a club that does not convince me, I prefer to say: no, thank you.”
Spurs’ search for a new manager has so far proven unsuccessful, with the club appearing to fail with a move to reappoint Mauricio Pochettino.
Former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca is now the favourite to take charge, with new sporting director Fabio Paratici recommending the Portuguese coach.
Ironically, Fonseca was sacked in April and replaced by Mourinho following his departure from the club. — Metro.
Online Reporter