Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and their manager Antonio Conte have parted ways in what the club has described as a “mutual agreement.” Conte’s exit was an unceremonious one, being announced in a short statement posted on the Spurs’ website.
Assistants Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason will step in for Conte and helm the club on an interim basis until the end of the season. The Spurs currently sit at No. 4 on the Premier League standings with the UEFA Champions League place in their hands at the moment.
“We have 10 Premier League games remaining, and we have a fight on our hands for a Champions League place,” said club chairman Daniel Levy. “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’s exit was largely expected following his explosive press conference after 3-3 tie with Southampton earlier this month. At the time, the Italian coach accused Spurs’ players of being “selfish” while saying that the club doesn’t have a winning mentality.
After Conte made his displeasure with the club public, the Spurs brass felt it had no other option but to move on from the Italian. They are expected to start the search for his successor immediately, with former head coach Mauricio Pochettino being one of the main candidates. Other names on the list reportedly include Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique.
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after less than two years in charge. He is credited with doing an excellent job last season, turning around the Spurs’ season and getting them into the UCL. However, the club didn’t make the expected progress in 2022-23, and his result with the squad and the club executives became worse as a result, ultimately leading to his dismissal.
