TEDDY SHERINGHAM fears Antonio Conte could ditch Tottenham if they lose the North London Derby and miss out on the Champions League.
Spurs are four points behind Arsenal in fourth heading into their titanic clash on Thursday – a truly epic blockbuster in the history of this fixture.
Teddy Sheringham reckons Antonio Conte will quit Spurs if they don’t make the top fourCredit: GettySheringham believes Spurs must win their upcoming derby against Arsenal to secure fourth
Victory for the Gunners on their rivals’ patch would confirm a return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since the 2016/17 campaign.
A win for Conte’s men closes the gap to one point with two Premier League games remaining – heaping huge pressure on Mikel Arteta’s young Guns.
Yet ex-Spurs striker Sheringham admits he struggles to see anything past a niggly draw between these two – a result which could prove too much for Conte.
The Italian coach, 52, only arrived in north London on November 2 having replaced Nuno Espirito Santo, signing an 18-month contract with the option of a further year.
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During a run of four losses in five league games back in January and February, Conte hinted he may not be the right man to take the club forward.
And Sheringham, speaking in association with 8Xbet, said: “If Conte is looking to stay for longer than his two-year period then he needs more of his own players with a view to playing in the Champions League.
“If things go to plan then he should get more transfer funds and build.
“Would I understand if he left without Champions League football? He is a man who wants to do business straight away. He wants to be playing at the top level in big games.
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“But he took the job knowing where Tottenham were. He knew it wouldn’t be easy to get into the top four and he needs to work harder so they stay consistent and get in.
“If he doesn’t do it this season then I would like to think he would stay and do it next season. I certainly hope he stays as he is the right fit for Tottenham.
“He has brought some desire, discipline, work rate and attitude that has been missing over the few years. He is on the right path but there are still huge question marks.
“We know how fickle football is. Money talks and if others want these top managers then they go out and pressurise other clubs and make it known.
“That is why it is in Tottenham’s and Conte’s best interests to get into the Champions League.”
Sheringham says he would rather be in Arsenal’s shoes heading into this mammoth encounter.
The Gunners have the points in the bag, winning their last four league games, while Spurs have picked up just five points from a possible 12.
It’s down to Tottenham how this game pans out
Teddy Sheringham
And despite making 236 Prem appearances for Tottenham over two spells, the 56-year-old knows who he would choose to play for if one had the Champions League over the other.
However, Sheringham feels Arteta’s inexperienced side could shoot themselves in the foot if they do not discover some footballing nous to get over the line.
Asked if Arsenal have what it takes to frustrate Tottenham, Sheringham explained: “I wouldn’t say they are capable of being street-smart.
“They have a very inexperienced squad who are learning as they go along. They play some outstanding football.
“But whether they have the nous to play clever and frustrate Tottenham, I’m not so sure.
“Arsenal don’t have to win this game, and there should be a lot of time wasting from the first minute to run down the clock, but Arteta knows they can’t sit back for 90 minutes.
“It’s down to Tottenham how this game pans out. They’ve put themselves in this position with a lack of consistency at the right time.
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“It is up to them to press the situation and go for Arsenal’s throat. You would like to think they have a chance at home but I can see a frustrating draw coming their way.
“I hate to say it, but I don’t think Tottenham are good enough at opening teams up.”
