Ivan Perisic was Tottenham’s first signing of the summer and he seems to have settled in well already. The Croatian made his debut in the 2-1 pre-season victory against Rangers after returning from an injury picked up at the end of last season, and then started against Roma. Ahead of his first Premier League season, Perisic opened up on his change of position under Conte at Inter.
Ivan Perisic said: “With him [Conte], I changed my position and he likes to play with three at the back. At Inter we used to play with 3-5-2 and I was on the left as a wing-back. In the beginning I needed a few games to adapt. It’s really something new after so many years as a winger, but I think later I did well. I like to play in this position because I have more contacts with the ball than as a winger and most of the time I’m facing the goal – and I also like to help the defence. I think it’s the perfect position for me.”
This is likely to be where Conte decides he fits, adding another option down the left flank. However, the Tottenham boss has been handed a boost, as the 33-year-old has expressed his acceptance of being versatile if required.
Ivan Perisic said: “I think it’s going to be on the left, but it depends on the manager. If he needs me somewhere else, I’m ready to accept.”
The former Inter man has opened up on his move to Spurs, with Perisic explaining his first contact was in March and then the second was after Tottenham beat Arsenal. “It was obvious that maybe they’re going to reach the Champions League.” Luka Modric made over 150 appearances for Tottenham and made 42 goal contributions, becoming a fan favourite during his four years in N17. After his first call with Conte, Perisic explained that he also called his fellow countryman for advice.
Ivan Perisic said: “I said to him that there is a possibility that I might come to his ex-club and he said to me all of the positive things about the club. He used to play at the old stadium and he used to train on the old training camp but everything is new here now, everything is much better and much more modern.”
Ahead of Joe Rodon’s move to Rennes, Perisic asked if he could take over the No.14 shirt from him, which Modric also played in. The Croat asked the ex-Spurs man for permission too and with everyone happy, Perisic will wear the No.14 for the 2022/23 season. The wing-back is one of the older members of the squad and is someone that could helps the likes of Sessegnon, as they develop through their career.
Ivan Perisic said: “I like to speak with the young players. I know when I came to this world it was tough and the other players helped me a lot. Now I’m one of the oldest I love to speak with them and to give them some advice if I see that they are doing something wrong. It has to be like this, and this is important for the team.”
After newest arrival Djed Spence wasn’t given any game time against Roma, the 33-year-old gave him some reassuring advice.
Djed Spence said: “I spoke to Ivan… he told me my chance will come, just be ready, train hard, when you get your chance do well and hopefully you’ll stay in the team.”
After the Roma defeat, Perisic was one player Conte picked out who still needs to work on their fitness.
Ivan Perisic said: “In this moment we have two players, Ivan Perisic and [Matt] Doherty, they have to continue to work and reach the peak of fitness because after a long injury they are struggling a lot. We need to have patience.”
The Croatian picked up an injury at the end of last season before his move to Tottenham, and he has been working to build his fitness, saying he was “fully focused on [his] injury” during the summer. However, he admits he now feels “ready to play in the Premier League.”
Perisic is clearly a player who is hungry to work hard and find success, which he has already done at a number of clubs and it is something he wants to continue at Spurs.
Ivan Perisic said: “In my previous three or four clubs I’ve won a couple of trophies – I want to continue [this]. I want to also win something big, something important with Tottenham and I will 100% do my best to achieve that. I will work hard every day and I like to win. I hope we can do great things in these two seasons because Tottenham is a big club. In the last seasons they’re always missing something, but I think this year it’s going to be our year that we can do something big.”
With the impact Conte has already had at Spurs and the strong new additions to the squad, everyone is hoping a successful season lies ahead.
