Tottenham Hotspur have axed Antonio Conte following his explosive rant towards the club. Conceding a last-minute penalty to Southampton - and ultimately surrendering a two-goal lead - caused the fiery Italian to lose the plot at his post-match press conference.
Conte blasted Spurs players, their lack of silverware and the club's mentality as a whole while defending previous managers who had also underachieved. Discontent had been growing from Tottenham supporters after recent FA Cup and Champions League exits.
Rookie duo Christian Stellini and Ryan Mason - Conte’s former assistants - will take charge until the end of the campaign, with Mauricio Pochettino and Julian Nagelsmann the front-runners for summer appointments. The news has thrown an uncertain spanner in the works for the top-four race as Newcastle United chase down fourth-placed Spurs.
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A club statement read: “We can announce that head coach Antonio Conte has left the club by mutual agreement. We achieved Champions League qualification in Antonio’s first season at the club.
“We thank Antonio for his contribution and wish him well for the future. Cristian Stellini will take the team as acting head coach for the remainder of the season, along with Ryan Mason as assistant head coach.
Chairman Daniel Levy also rallied the troops and urged unity ahead of the final stretch of the campaign. He added: “We have 10 Premier League games remaining and we have a fight on our hands for a Champions League place.
“We all need to pull together. Everyone has to step up to ensure the highest possible finish for our club and amazing, loyal supporters.”
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