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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Dan Kilpatrick

Tottenham answer to Antonio Conte problem is clear as fans make voices heard

Tottenham go into the international break with the ears of fans, the board and the players still ringing from Antonio Conte's furious outburst.

The manager did not hold back after the draw with Southampton, slamming his squad and appearing to question the culture of the club.

The rant leaves Conte's future increasingly uncertain ahead of a two-week hiatus until Spurs return to action against Everton on Monday, April 3.

Standard Sport assesses the state of the club ahead of the final 10 games of the campaign.

Prospects for the rest of season in one word

Uncertain.

Verdict so far compared to pre-season expectations

After beating Arsenal in May last year, it was Spurs who were expected to kick on and should have been well-placed to capitalise on Manchester City and Liverpool opening the door. Instead, they have gone backwards during a joyless, underwhelming and increasingly acrimonious campaign.

How is the manager doing

Some of Conte's criticism of his players and the culture of the club rings true but he has exacerbated the situation with his tired and inflexible tactics, refusal to rotate the squad, strange substitutions and reluctance to commit to Spurs beyond the end of the season. It feels like he's checked out for good.

Will fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino return? (Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Reason to be cheerful

Conte's impending departure at the end of the season (or increasingly likely before) offers the club the chance for another reset under a progressive coach, who will return to possession football, promoting youth and talking up the club. Mauricio Pochettino anyone?

Reason to be fearful

Everything is uncertain. While Conte is almost certain not to be at the club next season, it is not clear who will replace him or even what kind of manager chairman Daniel Levy wants. Managing director Fabio Paratici is also facing an uncertain future in the game, Harry Kane's contract has a little over a year to run, and even the owners may sell up.

Fans’ mood

Apathetic. Many fans are done with Levy, Conte or both, and feel increasingly indifferent to the club's fortunes following their FA Cup and Champions League exits in the space of seven days. The return of Pochettino or another big-name manager could quickly energise the fanbase, however.

Overall grade

C-.

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