Antonio Conte demands more from Ivan Perisic

Antonio Conte insists there’s more to come from Ivan Perisic while pointing towards an injury that might have restricted him so far.

Tottenham signed Ivan Perisic on a free transfer at the request of Antonio Conte. The Italian manager personally knows what the veteran attacker could bring to his squad, having managed him at Inter Milan. The Croatian has spent many years at the Serie A side, briefly going on loan to Bayern.

He has been a formidable footballer for club and country. In his last seasons at Inter, Conte and their current manager, Simone Inzaghi, converted him into a wing-back on the left side. The veteran has taken to the change steadily, and his qualities in the role prompted Tottenham to sign him.

Perisic has started well for Spurs, providing three assists in nine Premier League games so far. He has managed to keep Ryan Sessegnon on the bench but did not start during Tottenham’s win over Brighton at the weekend.

There’s hope from the manager and supporters alike for Perisic to shine his way through during the season. Conte, when asked about the veteran, insisted there’s much more to come from the Croatian. The Tottenham boss also mentioned an injury Perisic had been carrying when he signed for the club in the summer.

Antonio Conte on Ivan Perišić:

“Perišić arrived with a serious calf problem, he’s recovering, it’s not what I know yet, but he has already given us a hand in terms of assists and personality, I’m sure he will give us even more.”

– Sky Italia #THFC pic.twitter.com/88C6wpRpH8

— The Spurs Web (@thespursweb) October 12, 2022

Conte told Sky Sports Italy, Perisic arrived with a serious calf problem; he’s recovering, it’s not what I know yet, but he’s already given us a hand in terms of assists and personality; I’m sure he’ll give us even more. “

Those words echo more than just an update. Here Conte might be demanding more from Perisic in the coming games. Tottenham are in a good position in the Premier League, as they sit in third place.

Perisic had a bad game against Arsenal recently. The loss pushed Spurs further away from their north London rivals, but Conte will be hoping to catch up. The Croatian is considered a huge part of the manager’s plans, and he expects many big performances as the season progresses.

The Croatian could start for Tottenham at the weekend against Everton. Those are games where a player of his calibre could prove his mettle.