Antonio Conte has been relieved of his duties as Tottenham Hotspur manager after a 16-month spell with the North London club.
The 53-year-old Italian, who was appointed Spurs manager in November 2021 following the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo, ripped into the board and his players on Saturday 18 March following their 3-3 draw with Southampton.
His decision to publicly criticise the club in a press conference was met with fury. In fact, reports emerged suggesting a ‘few players‘ wanted him to be sacked ahead of their next Premier League game against Everton on April 3.
And not long after his verbal tirade, Spurs have decided to part ways with the former Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan boss.
Club announcement.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 26, 2023
In a club statement, Spurs said it was a “mutual agreement” for the former Juventus and Inter Milan man to move on and thanked him for his contribution.
Chairman Daniel Levy commented:
“We have 10 Premier League games remaining and we have a fight on our hands for a Champions League place. We all need to pull together. Everyone has to step up to ensure the highest possible finish for our Club and amazing, loyal supporters.”
Cristian Stellini, Conte’s right-hand man, is to be serve as acting head coach until the end of the campaign. The 48-year-old had been carrying out the role as he recovered from gallbladder surgery.
Former midfielder Ryan Mason will be Stellini’s assistant and Spurs will look to name a permanent replacement at the end of the season.
Spurs currently occupy fourth spot in the Premier League but are just two points clear of Newcastle, who have two games in hand.
They were knocked out of the Champions League at the round of 16 following a drab 1-0 aggregate loss to AC Milan.
Spurs said in a statement late on Sunday night:
“We can announce that Head Coach Antonio Conte has left the Club by mutual agreement. We achieved Champions League qualification in Antonio’s first season at the Club. We thank Antonio for his contribution and wish him well for the future.”
And for the second time in 23 months, a caretaker will take them to the end of the season. In 2021 it was Ryan Mason, this time the former Spurs midfielder will act as assistant to Conte’s former assistant Cristian Stellini.
Conte finishes his Spurs stint with a 54% win ratio, emerging victorious in 41 of the 76 games he was in charge of.
