Conte’s Uncertain Spurs Reign Comes to a Close in Customary Style

After 16 months in command, Antonio Conte left the club “by mutual agreement,” bringing his turbulent Tottenham tenure to an almost inevitable end.

In November 2021, 53-year-old Conte took over as manager of the underwhelming Premier League team.

It already looked certain that Conte would leave when his contract ended at the end of this season because he had spent a large portion of his time making subtly critical comments about chairman Daniel Levy’s unwillingness to support him enough in the transfer market.

Nevertheless, the Italian appeared to undermine his case with an unbelievable tirade directed at his team after Spurs lost a two-goal advantage in a disastrous 3-3 draw at bottom-place Southampton earlier this month.

Although they remained fourth in the Premier League after that debacle, Spurs are in serious danger of missing out on Champions League qualification — fifth-placed Newcastle are two points behind, with two games in hand. Conte’s Turbulent Spurs Reign Ends In Familiar Fashion

According to rumors, Levy became worried about Conte’s mood swings this season. There were complaints that the team had grown weary of their manager’s sarcastic remarks, and supporters lamented what they saw as his unfavorable methods.

To avoid the chaos that would have resulted from a managerial change at such a crucial point in the season, the chairman would have undoubtedly wanted to preserve Conte.

The manager’s relationship with Levy became more complex as a result of his harsh criticism of his underwhelming talent.

Some said Conte’s astonishing rant was an effort of self-immolation intended to force his leave because he appeared so frustrated with Tottenham’s unreliability.

When Conte’s issues grew worse, the club was eliminated from the FA Cup and the Champions League earlier this month.

After spending time in Italy recovering from gallbladder surgery, he had only lately returned to the sidelines, and his patience had worn thin as Spurs at Southampton blew a 3-1 lead with only 13 minutes left.

It’s appropriate for me to comment now because I find this to be unacceptable, Conte stated. We once again demonstrated that we are not a team.

I observe players that are heartless, egotistical, and unwilling to aid one another.

Alarm clocks
Tottenham has long been considered the biggest underachievers in English football, and Conte was unable to end the cycle of disappointment and blame.

Even in a time when they have profited from having the club’s all-time leading scorer, Harry Kane, on their team, Spurs remain weak. They haven’t won a significant trophy since the 2008 League Cup, and they haven’t been named English champions since 1961.

When questioned about the reasons why the team has continued to struggle despite having a number of different managers, Conte was harsh.

This is Tottenham’s tale, he declared. “The owner has been there for twenty years, yet they have never won anything.

“Why? just because they are accustomed to it. They don’t compete for a significant goal. They are unwilling to perform under duress.

Conte had a well-deserved reputation as a proven winner when he joined Spurs.

The former Italy coach guided Chelsea to their most recent Premier League triumph in 2017, won three Serie A championships with Juventus, and ended Inter Milan’s 11-year wait for an Italian championship in 2021.

At first, both Tottenham and Conte had reason to be optimistic.

Last season, he led them to a remarkable top-four finish, coming from behind to edge rival Arsenal of north London to qualify for the Champions League.

Yet when Conte lamented Levy’s propensity for buying young players with transfer potential during the summer transfer window, familiar warning bells began to sound.

Those who have been following Conte for a while are used to the Italian’s propensity to blame his employers for his teams’ issues.

Despite his achievements, transfer disputes brought about the end of his tenures at Chelsea and Inter.

Even the silverware to temper his tantrums wasn’t available at Tottenham.