Antonio Conte says he is remaining ‘realistic’ about Tottenham’s ambitions this season despite closing the gap on the Premier League’s top three.
Tottenham are fifth in the Premier League at present, just one point outside the top four and with multiple games in hand over the sides above them following postponements earlier in the campaign.
The North Londoners won at Leicester in midweek and face third-place Chelsea this weekend, with a win moving Spurs – unbeaten in the league since Conte’s arrival in November – closer to the division’s top three sides.
Conte insists he remains focused on one game at a time, however, as he bids to improve the side over the second half of the season.
“You have to be very calm and go game by game,” he told his pre-match press conference.
“Don’t forget we won against Watford in the last minute, Leicester the last minute. I have to be realistic and I am happy and it’s a pleasure to see my team fight to the end.
“In this season my ambition is to try to help the club. This is my first ambition to help the club and team improve and to get the best result possible. For sure we give 100% to get the best out of our players.”
Tottenham were boosted this week after Hugo Lloris signed a new two-year deal, the club captain committing his future to Spurs with a contract extension.
Conte admits he is delighted to retain the services of the 35-year-old and hailed Lloris as ‘one of the most important keepers in the world’.
“It’s important our captain signed for two years. It means the club and the whole environment trust you,” he added.
“He is one of the most important keepers in the world. Captain of France and Tottenham.”
