Typically, as a coach, when you call your players selfish and say your club’s culture is so rotten that it’s gotten used to not winning trophies, you may not be long for your job.
Antonio Conte must have known that would be the case after his incredible rant 10 days ago. Sunday’s news that he and Tottenham had mutually parted ways was inevitable from the moment he said: “Tottenham’s story is this: 20 years that there is the owner, and they never won something.”
In the statement announcing the move, and Cristian Stellini’s appointment as acting head coach for the rest of the season, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy didn’t waste any time thanking Conte for his contributions. Instead, he just implored his team to turn things around.
“We have 10 Premier League games remaining and we have a fight on our hands for a Champions League place,” Levy said. “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 seen as a strong appointment in November 2021 when Spurs brought him in to right the ship after sacking Nuno Espírito Santo. And in year one, Conte turned Tottenham’s season around and guided to the team to fourth place and a Champions League berth.
This year, though, things have not gone quite as smooth.
Spurs are in fourth again but their position is precarious as they have two more games played than the teams around them. Their trophy chances have again vanished after crashing out of the two domestic cups and the Champions League last 16 against AC Milan.
Basically, it’s a typical Spurs season.
Conte was supposed to be the one who made these kinds of seasons the floor, not the ceiling, but he’s been unable to change things around.
Tottenham’s most recent trophy remains the 2008 League Cup.
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