‘Fans deserve a team with will to fight’

New Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has promised fans a team with the "will to fight" for the shirt as he sets about reversing a slump in fortunes for the London club.

Former Juventus, Italy and Chelsea manager Conte was sought by Tottenham in the summer as a replacement for Jose Mourinho but for one reason and another a deal was not struck and Spurs hired Nuno Espirito Santo instead. That appointment ended abruptly on Monday when the Portuguese was sacked after only 10 Premier League games.

"It's an honour and a pleasure and for now I want to repay this trust," the Italian said in his first interview posted on the club's Twitter feed.

"My philosophy is very simple. To play attractive football and good football for the fans, to have a stable team, not up and down. I think the fans deserve to have a competitive team with a will to fight.  "We will do everything to deserve their support."