Antonio Conte’s Tottenham took on Liverpool in a Premier League clash on Saturday evening.
Spurs headed into the game needing a win to gain some ground on Arsenal in the race for 4th, whilst Liverpool are, of course, competing with Manchester City for the Premier League title.
In the end, the two sides would share the points and, whilst that result didn’t really suit either side, Conte was no doubt the happier of the two managers.
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His side more than held their own against the Reds and even came close to snatching a late win if not for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg opting to head his effort back across goal to Harry Kane rather than towards the net itself.
But, after going toe-to-toe with Jurgen Klopp’s side, Conte would be asked how long it will be before Spurs can compete with Liverpool.
And, though he did not give a definitive timeframe, Conte did suggest it will be some time before that happens:
“Yeah I understand this type of questions, but I think we need to have a path with the team, and to create a base and then to improve the base here. I think Liverpool, no I’m sure Liverpool did this because they created a foundation with Jurgen and they did a fantastic job in seven years they won a lot.
“He created a monster, in a good way, an amazing way, and he has to be satisfied – but to do this you have to have time and patience, and a lot of things because you have to go step by step. It’s impossible to imagine that next season you are going to win the title because I’m realistic and I know there are teams in England like Liverpool and City, Chelsea, also United, who are really strong, and it’s not simple to face these monsters.”