Former Tottenham star Pascal Chimbonda believes it would be a huge error for the North London giants to allow Antonio Conte to leave at the end of this season, as has been widely reported.
"It would be a big mistake if Tottenham get rid of him because he’s a good manager, a good worker, and players like to work with him.
"Maybe it’s for lack of winning trophies. They are not close to winning any trophies, like Pochettino was when they got to a Champions League final.
"That’s maybe why they don’t want to keep going with Conte. But if you don’t stay with him, who are you going to pick?"
Though Spurs are currently fourth in the Premier League it has been a tumultuous campaign with mixed results on the pitch and Conte hardly shy in airing his grievances off it. According to Chimbonda however, the fiery Italian does have a point.
"I don’t think Conte was very happy with the transfer window, because the players he wanted are not the players he got. That’s why he’s frustrated.
"At Chelsea and Inter he had big players there. Levy should have confidence in him and give him what he wants."
As for the erratic performances, the ex-French international insists they stem mainly from player issues rather than an overly defensive set-up that Conte has stuck with and been criticised for.
"When you play three at the back it is still attacking football, because you have your two full-backs push up and join in with the attacks.
"So it’s not the system but the players. They need to give everything and maybe sometimes it’s a lack of communication, especially in the big games.
"It’s not the quality that is a problem but the desire. You can’t question Conte on his system because he’s always played like that and has had success."
Having made over one hundred appearances for the Lilywhites, and still an ardent Tottenham fan to this day, Chimbonda is quick to highlight his team’s league position to empathise that it’s not exactly all doom and gloom in N17 right now.
While he was a cult hero, an apologist, sugar-coating their problems, he is not.
A member of the 2008 League Cup-winning side, the 44-year-old is staggered there has been no silverware since.
"It’s been too long. They came close with the Champions League under Pochettino but after that they’ve been up and down, and maybe it’s time now for Spurs to win a trophy.
"They have a new stadium and a new training ground. They have everything going for them to perform and Spurs are meant to be a big club. It’s time to show that.
"Other clubs in the top six, like Chelsea, United and City, they win trophies every season."
One significant advantage Tottenham do have as they strive for success is possessing Harry Kane up front, a ridiculously prolific striker who last week surpassed Jimmy Greaves’ long-standing goal-scoring record for the club.
Do rival fans downplay Kane’s brilliance due to this absence of silverware? And if so, is that fair?
"It’s not fair because when you play football you want to break records, win trophies and do your best for your team and your club.
"You can’t take anything away from Harry because he’s a goal machine who would score for any team and he’s broken a big record.
"He’s a good friend to Spurs and they can’t afford to lose him. Who do you get to replace him? There is no-one on the market like Harry Kane."
If their centre-forward is unquestionably world class Tottenham, it must be said, have long struggled to replace Chimbonda with a full-back of equivalent credentials.
Presently it is Emerson Royal who has the task but a series of disappointing displays since moving from Barcelona has seen him targeted by the boo-boys. Does he have a future in the capital?
"Maybe it’s on him but when you play in England it’s a very different league to in Spain and it’s hard to adapt.
"In recent games Royal has started playing well and maybe this is because they bought a new right-back (Pedro Porro) and he’s good as well.
"This has given him more motivation to do well because he knows if his level drops there is someone who will step in.
"If he keeps playing well defensively, and helping with the attacking side, then he will stay in the team and get the fans back on his side."
Moving away from individuals and back to the big picture, if Chimbonda is right in suggesting that Tottenham’s problems have been somewhat exaggerated this term perhaps that’s because down the road everything has been going so swimmingly, with Arsenal currently leading the title race.
How would he feel if the Gunners went all the way, against all expectation?
"As a Spurs fan I really don’t want them to win that trophy. It would hurt. They’ve been there since the start of the season and they’ve playing some good football.
"They have good players and they play as a team but it would be a miracle if they win, because City and United are pushing. It will be tough but if they win it then fair play to them."
Pascal Chimbonda Quickfire Questions
Scoreline for Spurs v Chelsea
I will go with 2-1 to Spurs.
First goalscorer
Harry Kane.
Who will win the Premier League?
Man City.
Who will win the Champions League?
If they get past Bayern then PSG will win the Champions League.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
