Antonio Conte has left his role at Tottenham Hotspur by mutual consent following his media outburst almost a fortnight ago.
The Italian tactician labelled Spurs players as “selfish” and criticised the club’s culture in a press conference after the North London outfit threw a 3-1 lead over Southampton and draw 3-3 before the international break.
“Tottenham’s story is this: 20 years there is this owner and they never won something. Why?” Conte said.
“Until now I try to hide the situation but not now because, I repeat, I don’t want to see what I have seen today because this is unacceptable and also unacceptable for the fans.”
Antonio Conte has left Spurs by mutual consent pic.twitter.com/zCeUpJLKno
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 26, 2023
Conte’s assistant Cristian Stellini will now take charge in the interim until the end of the season, with former Spurs midfielder Ryan Mason – who took charge for seven games after Jose Mourinho’s dismissal in April 2021 – now acting as Stellini’s deputy.
“We have 10 Premier League games remaining and we have a fight on our hands for a Champions League place,” Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said in a statement.
“We all need to pull together. Everyone has to step up to ensure the highest possible finish for our club and amazing, loyal supporters.”
Conte was appointed as Spurs manager in November 2021 after the Lilywhites had sacked Nuno Espirito Santo.
They struggled for consistency early on in his job until a six-game unbeaten run, including a 3-0 win over rivals Arsenal, secured a top-four finish. Tottenham’s problems however continued this season where they have recorded nine defeats and four draws in 28 league games but still occupy the all-important fourth spot.
Conte was absent for much of February after undergoing surgery to remove his gallbladder. Stellini took over in his absence and recorded three wins and two losses.
In March, Spurs have suffered cup exits to AC Milan in the Champions League and Sheffield United in the FA Cup. The North London outfit have won just one trophy (2008 League Cup) since Levy took over the club as chairman in 2001 and have had 11 different managers under his chairmanship.
Conte’s exit also takes the number of managerial departures this season to 11 which is a new Premier League record.
