‘I really do’: Former Tottenham manager agrees with some of the criticism he’s heard for Antonio Conte

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Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Tim Sherwood has told TalkSPORT that he agrees with some of the criticism he’s heard for Antonio Conte of late.

Spurs have got off to their best ever start in the Premier League this season, racking up an impressive 23 points from their first 10 games.

Conte’s men sit third in the table, level on points with champions Manchester City and just four behind league leaders Arsenal. And Spurs have done all of this without really hitting top gear yet.

Set aside the improvement over the past week, Tottenham have been grinding out results while putting in below-par performances. But it’s led to some criticism over their style of play under Conte.

Sherwood managed Spurs on a temporary basis during the 2013-14 campaign after the dismissal of Andre Villas-Boas. And while the former Tottenham boss agrees with some of the criticism of Conte, he hasn’t ruled them out of the title race.

Sherwood agrees with criticism for Conte

Speaking on TalkSPORT today, Sherwood said: “I still wouldn’t rule out Tottenham. I think you’ve got a manager there who knows the course and distance, knows how to get there.

“Criticised at the moment for the style of play but if I’m Antonio Conte, I’m not listening to that because it’s not his fault. There used to be a criteria at Tottenham – you have to play a certain way [attacking football].

“No one’s asking or questioning Antonio Conte at that football club, let me tell you. He’s out-of-contract at the end of this season and they want him to stay. All the fans want him to stay.

“I agree with some of the criticism, I really do. But it can only come into effect if they stop winning games. At the moment, if you’re a manager, if you win – everything’s good and right.

“If you don’t win the games, then they start questioning your performances. A bit like when Jose [Mourinho] was there, was top of the league under him and everyone was happy.

“It was all about winning as they haven’t won since 2008. Then as soon as the results started going a little bit wonky, they started criticising the way he was playing.

“The same will happen with Antonio Conte. But this guy looks like he’s got a real hunger and desire still in his belly. He’s proven it, everywhere he’s been, he’s won.”

Is criticism of Conte fair?

Conte took over Spurs in a dire position last November after the club sacked Nuno Espirito Santo.

The Italian has completely turned the club’s recent fortunes around and brought Champions League football back to north London.

While the football has been slightly painful to watch this season, Spurs are in a brilliant position after just 10 games played.

Improved displays over the past week indicate that Conte’s side are slowly getting back to the levels they hit at the end of last season. But for now, results are the name of the game and Conte is delivering.