Antonio Conte: Tottenham’s Champions League qualification in 2022 a ‘miracle’

Tottenham were fourth when Antonio Conte left and ended the season in eighth

Tottenham qualifying for the Champions League in 2022 was a “miracle”, says then manager Antonio Conte.

Spurs, who were eighth in the Premier League when Conte took charge in November 2021, secured a fourth-place finish on the final day of the season.

“With all the problems we faced, [it] was a miracle,” Conte told the Telegraph.external-link

“We didn’t celebrate like it was a miracle because I am used to winning.”

Conte has won four Serie A titles as a manager – three in a row with Juventus and once with Inter Milan – as well as the Premier League at Chelsea in 2016-17.

“For me, to celebrate fourth place and a place in the Champions League was really strange,” he said.

“At the end of the final game against Norwich, I called my staff and said ‘pay attention, don’t be used to celebrating a Champions League place’. I was very clear.”

Tottenham were knocked out the Champions League last 16 in March 2023, and Conte left by mutual consent three weeks later after calling the players “selfish” following a draw at Southampton.

“If I tell something, it means there is always something true,” he said.

“I don’t regret anything about this. But I have good feelings about Tottenham. I keep this experience in my heart.”