Danny Rose on how Antonio Conte’s uncertain future will affect Tottenham dressing room
Former Tottenham left-back Danny Rose believes Antonio Conte’s indecision over his future could have a negative impact on the playing squad.
Conte’s deal expires in the summer, and while Spurs retain an option to extend it by a further year, it’s believed they would rather renegotiate the terms of his contract instead.
But the Italian is yet to commit his future to Tottenham, with talks over a fresh deal stalling in recent months.
Speaking exclusively to 90min, ex-Spurs star Rose admitted that while this will inevitably cast a dark cloud over the dressing room, it’s up to the players to ignore it.
“I’ve never been in that position in terms of knowing that your manager’s contract [is running out]. In four months time, there’s no indication that he’s going to sign again. So I guess for me, if I was in that changing room, [you would be] sort of thinking ‘hold on a minute. I don’t know if he’s going to be even be here next season’,” Rose said.
“I think it could possibly have an impact. But ultimately, at the end of the day, you’re a professional athlete, you’re a professional player, you’re paid to do a job.
“So it shouldn’t [matter] in one sense. But, you know, in the office as it is, I think it’s only natural that it could possibly have some sort of negative impact on you.
“And for me, I hope he stays. He’s obviously without a doubt one of the best in the world. I’d love him to stay.”
When asked if he thinks Conte overachieved in guiding Spurs to a top-four finish last season, Rose replied: “I think he’s he said himself that it was an achievement, it was was not looking very much likely when he took over.
“Then obviously they went on an amazing run. We can’t forget fourth spot was Arsenal’s to lose…but in terms of the run that they went on, I don’t think anybody can take that away from them.
“In terms of people thinking that Spurs were going to get top four when he took over, I’d say that was very unlikely. But it’s tough.”
Source: 90mins
