Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has warned Tottenham to keep Antonio Conte happy by backing him in the transfer market.
Conte was not happy with Spurs' January transfer business despite signing Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur from Juventus late in the window. There has been a clear improvement in performance since the Italian replaced Nuno Espirito Santo as Tottenham manager, with the club battling north London rivals Arsenal for a top four spot.
Conte has shown in the past that when he is backed in the transfer window he can deliver success and silverware to the club, as shown at Chelsea when he won a Premier League and FA Cup. The 52-year-old's contract expires at the end of next season with rumours surrounding Conte's future already circling ahead of a crucial summer transfer window.
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Prior to kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Ferdinand said: "He’s done enough to deserve that [backing]. Since he’s been here he’s third in points gained and goals scored, only behind the top two [Liverpool and Manchester City] who are running at the different level in the Premier League.
"He’s brought this club to where they were at, confidence wise. We watched them at Anfield and they put a performance there and you think, mentally, they’re at it.
"He needs the reinforcement from the board, that commitment from the board financially. You have to bet on him.
"What he did with Chelsea coming here winning the league, Serie A, he’s won the league there. I don’t think you can question this guy in terms of what he can bring.
"He can win things. This guy’s a top level manager."
Conte has won nine major honours during his managerial career including three consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus, another with Inter and the Premier League and FA Cup whilst he was at Chelsea. Ferdinand continued his warning to Spurs by questioning who the club would replace him with if the Italian was to leave.
The BT Sport pundit said: "Where do they go from here? Where do you go? Whose in the market? Better equipped to bring this club to where it wants to be? Nobody. Antonio Conte is the man for Tottenham Hotspur."
At the time of writing, Spurs are currently leading Burnley 1-0 and two points ahead of Arsenal in the Premier League table. The Gunners face a tough test away against Newcastle at St. James' Park on Monday night.
