Conte to take charge of Spurs tonight after visa approved

Antonio Conte will take charge of Tottenham Hotspur for the first time against Vitesse Arnhem in the UEFA Europa Conference League after his visa was approved on Thursday morning.

Conte, who has signed an 18-month contract with the Premier League club with an option to extend, was appointed on Tuesday following the dismissal of Nuno Espirito Santo.

Spurs sacked former Wolves boss Nuno after just 17 games, with the club eighth in the table.

Conte, 52, watched from the sidelines as Tottenham trained on Tuesday afternoon, with the Italian unable to take charge of the session before his visa was granted.

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And even though Conte was unable to lead the session, The Athletic understands that it was one of the most intense the squad had been put through in recent weeks.

Fabio Paratici, Tottenham’s managing director of football, and Hugo Lloris faced the press on Wednesday, with the goalkeeper acknowledging that the demands around the club have increased following the arrival of Conte.

“There will be more expectation with Conte,” Lloris said.

“It doesn’t matter what people say outside, it is more important what is happening inside the changing room.

“There is ambition in the club. We want to respond to the expectation of our fans. That is important. Football is about winning. That is the best feeling.”