Rio Ferdinand thinks Tottenham should count themselves lucky that Antonio Conte is their new manager but believes he will face a big test in north London.
Conte was appointed as Spurs boss on Tuesday afternoon, just over 24 hours after Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked as manager after four months in charge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Italian coach comes in with a huge reputation and is a proven winner, with many tipping him to help Tottenham end their near-14-year-wait for a major honour.
The 52-year-old has signed an 18-month contract with Spurs, with the option to extend if all goes well for both parties.
Now, Ferdinand thinks that this may be a huge test for Conte to try and turn Tottenham around as a club and make sure they compete at the highest level once again.
"Spurs should think themselves lucky to get Conte," the former Manchester United and England defender said on BT Sport.
"A manager of his standard. He wins, this guy knows how to win and go in and change things. Bring in that winning mentality.
"This is a big test for him to reinvigorate the club. Spurs have made a big step backwards and he needs to change that."
Ferdinand's BT Sport colleague Eni Aluko also praised the appointment and she revealed that he is going to need financial backing if he is to succeed at Tottenham.
Aluko said: "What an appointment this is for Spurs. When he came in at Chelsea he came in with the new system 3-4-3.
"It was a fairly new system in the Premier League there. Conte needs control and financial backing. Big appointment for Spurs."
Conte, when speaking directly after signing the 18-month deal to become the new Tottenham boss, expressed his excitement and happiness to be back managing after a few months out following his resignation from Inter Milan.
Speaking to the club's official website about his appointment, Conte said: "I am extremely happy to return to coaching, and to do so at a Premier League club that has the ambition to be a protagonist again.
"Tottenham Hotspur has state-of-the-art facilities and one of the best stadiums in the world.
"I can't wait to start working to convey to the team and the fans the passion, mentality and determination that have always distinguished me, as a player and as a coach."
