‘Why would you extend your contract?’ - Conte uncertainty impacting decision of key Spurs men says former boss

There is a big summer ahead for Tottenham in 2023 with several key first team players currently set to be out of contract the following year and doubts over the long term future of head coach Antonio Conte.

Spurs lost 2-1 at home to Newcastle United in their latest Premier League fixture and the Italian’s tactics have come into question by some pundits, despite the club sitting third in the league table and topping their UEFA Champions League group. However, they have lost three of their last five league matches which also included defeats to Manchester United and North London rivals Arsenal. In 2024, both Harry Kane and Son Heung-min will be out of contract if the club cannot tie them down on new deals and a former boss believes Conte’s current situation could be hindering talks.

Tim Sherwood, who was in charge at White Hart Lane between 2013 and 2014, was speaking to Sky Sports News (per the Express) and said: “Let’s face it, he [Conte] only has until the end of the season. “I mean he’s not signed a new contract. You are asking Harry Kane and Son to extend their contracts, why would you extend your contract? If you believe in this manager, if your manager is going to be there until the end of the season.

“You have to make a decision on him, soon. There is speculation of him going back to Italy. He is lauded in Italy for the style of how he wants to play. This year he has to win, if he doesn’t win this year, then he will leave.”

Tottenham are back in European action on Wednesday when they host Sporting Lisbon in their next UEFA Champions League fixture. It will be the penultimate match of the group stage and a crucial one with Spurs leading the group on seven points while the visitors have six as do Marseille and Eintrach Frankfurt have four. There is the potential for everything to change between now and the final round of matches with the London side still able to top the group or finish bottom.