Tottenham Football Club has confirmed that they have parted ways with Antonio Conte, who had been the head coach of the Premier League club since November 2021. The Italian spent 16 months in charge of the team, and his contract was due to expire at the end of the 2022/23 season. However, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has decided to act now, and the club released a statement saying that Conte had left by mutual agreement. The statement also thanked Conte for his contribution and wished him well for the future.
Conte had led Tottenham to Champions League qualification in his first season at the club, but the team has struggled this season, and they are currently fourth in the Premier League standings. With ten games remaining, Tottenham is in a fight to secure a Champions League place, and Levy has called on everyone at the club to pull together to ensure the highest possible finish for their loyal supporters.
Cristian Stellini will take over as acting head coach for the remainder of the season, with Ryan Mason serving as assistant head coach. Conte recently criticized the team in a stinging rant following their 3-3 draw at Southampton on March 18. He called his players “selfish” and suggested that Levy was responsible for a negative culture that prevented Tottenham from winning trophies.
Conte’s departure was not unexpected, as he had appeared unhappy for much of his time at Tottenham. He had suffered personal losses and underwent gallbladder surgery during his tenure, and reports suggested that a number of Tottenham players wanted him gone. Conte had cut a dejected figure in recent months, and his departure was seen as a necessary move to give Tottenham a chance to salvage their season.
Tottenham is guaranteed to end the season without silverware, and finishing inside the top four is their only remaining target. However, Newcastle is just two points behind them and has a couple of games in hand, while Liverpool is also threatening to catch the north London club. Tottenham will need to regroup quickly if they hope to secure a Champions League place and salvage their season.