Tottenham Hotspur are expected to lose head coach Antonio Conte at the end of the season after an Italian source suggested he “immediately regretted” joining them.
Conte became Tottenham’s head coach in November 2021 after a disastrous short spell in charge for Nuno Espirito Santo. Nuno was only ever a last-resort appointment that summer after Tottenham failed to attract several of their preferred targets.
Conte was among those they had tried to appoint earlier. However, he didn’t feel ready to return to work so soon after winning the Serie A title with Inter Milan.
A few months down the line, though, Fabio Paratici managed to convince his compatriot otherwise. Hence, Conte took the reins in north London for his second Premier League job.
The former Chelsea boss did well to guide Tottenham to a top-four finish by the end of last season. However, things have turned a little sour this season.
Tottenham are currently fourth in the Premier League, although they could slip out of the Champions League places if Newcastle in fifth win their games in hand.
Conte has had to spend time away from the touchline due to health issues recently. But he is now back leading the team, in circumstances that have become difficult.
For example, Richarlison recently hit out at the Italian’s selection decisions. Some sections of fans have been growing frustrated with their style of play too. And most obviously of all, their trophy drought will not be ending before Conte’s contract expires in the summer.
Therefore, the chances of Conte committing to a longer spell with Spurs have been in doubt recently. And now, reports in his homeland are indicating his time with Tottenham might soon be over.
Antonio Conte fell for Tottenham ‘illusion’
Gabriele Marcotti told Il Corriere Dello Sport: “Conte’s Tottenham spell is heading towards its end. It’s the inevitable outcome of a relationship endured without much enthusiasm amid threats and misunderstandings since the first weeks.
The Italian tactician has never seen entirely satisfied with his choice. Almost as if he had immediately regretted his decision to gamble on Tottenham. Perhaps, he had the illusion that owners would spend big money to bring the club to the top.”
Tottenham have given Conte some support in the three transfer windows since he has been with them. However, they are yet to really match some of the most competitive clubs in the country.
Practically everywhere he has been, Conte has been a highly demanding figure when it comes to transfers. Perhaps Spurs couldn’t keep up – but looking at his track record, they might have been justified with their approach.
Either way, they will soon have to turn their attention to who could replace Conte. TEAMtalk was recently told that Mauricio Pochettino would be open to returning for a second spell in charge of the club.
There have also been links with Thomas Tuchel, which seem to be less concrete. But Ruben Amorim, Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Frank could be candidates in their own right.
As for Conte, a return to Serie A seems the most probable outcome ahead of next season, though it is not entirely clear with which specific club yet.
