Merson praises Levy for Conte contract at Tottenham

Paul Merson has told Sky Sports that he thinks Daniel Levy has got one crucial Antonio Conte ingredient correct – despite much criticism.

Conte has penned an 18-month contract with the option to extend the deal by a year, at Tottenham. Reports say he is on north of £200,000 a week.

It is an appointment that has delighted Tottenham’s fanbase, with many counting down the seconds until they see him in the dugout on Thursday.

Conte is believed to have been given his working Visa in time to manage Spurs against Vitesse Arnhem. A crucial game, and Spurs need three points.

Much has been made over the length of contract. Even Ledley King said on Sky Sports News on Wednesday that it might be a short-term move.

But Arsenal legend Merson has praised Levy for handing Conte just 18 months – stating that in this day and age, that length is about right.

“If Conte rips it up, I’m sure Levy will give him a new contract straight away. 18 months is about right nowadays. They have to cover themselves.”

Merson on Conte contract: Levy gets it right for Tottenham?

While the contract length suggests that Conte is only looking for a short-term stint at Tottenham – it does see Levy learn from mistakes.

The Sun say Tottenham have had to sell out around £14million for Nuno Espirito Santo following his sacking. Four months work, and he gets that.

Levy has made mistakes in the past – big contracts, big pay-outs. While Conte is on a big contract, the length reduces that pay out.

It means that for whatever reason, if Spurs do opt to go in a different direction to Conte – they do not have to spend a fortune sacking him.