Tottenham have broken back into the Premier League's top four and are flying after six wins in their last eight games, with the north London side well on course to secure Champions League football next season.
Antonio Conte's tactics and style of play is finally beginning to click with his players as Spurs have turned into a force to be reckoned with, in which they have comfortably dismantled a number of teams in recent weeks.
And following his side's revival, the Italian has revealed that he feels "more comfortable" in Tottenham's ability to beat their opponents than he did when he first took charge in November.
Three wins on the bounce, in which Spurs have scored 10 goals, has certainly helped to build momentum ahead of Saturday's fixture with Aston Villa and they will be hoping that their recent form will hold them in good stead in their quest to earn another three points, and Conte knows his players have the confidence to achieve that.
In Thursday's pre-match press conference, he said: "We have to continue in this way, to play in the way we're playing in this period. After hard work, we improved a lot from the past. Also in the past, we won games, but I think that now I'm starting to see the right maturity and solidity of my team. Also, the right confidence of my players to try to play the game and get three points.
"This league is very difficult but if you compare it to the past my team has improved a lot. I feel now more comfortable to face the opponent."
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After exiting all three cup competitions by March 1, Spurs ensured that they would go another season without a trophy, yet it has played its advantage in their search for a top four finish by allowing them plenty of time to rest and recuperate between weekend matches.
Throughout March, Spurs played five Premier League fixtures, of which just one was a midweek game, and the north London side managed to record four victories over the course of last month as they eventually broke back into the top four.
And having a relaxed fixture schedule has allowed Conte and his coaching staff to have more time working with the players, as well as ensuring extra preparation ahead of matches, which the Italian feels has worked to his side's advantage and will continue to do so for the remainder of the season.
He said: "For sure, to have more time, more days to work with your players is important. Especially because don't forget I came in November this season and didn't have the same time as other managers, the pre-season to build your team with players you wanted to sign in the summer.
"And a lot of difficulties. Despite this, we work very well and it's important for me to have more time to spend with my team, to improve the tactical and physical aspects, the mentality with analysis to prepare for the game.
"Honestly to prepare a game every six or seven days instead of every two days changes things totally. Change totally, because you prepare with accuracy. For this reason the team is improving and you can see that in our football now."
