Antonio Conte departs Tottenham after breakdown in relations with club

Antonio Conte has left Tottenham by “mutual agreement” after a breakdown in relations between the manager and the club. The Italian launched a tirade against his squad after they surrendered a 3-1 lead against Southampton on 18 March and in the days that followed there was no way back.

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.”

The statement also quoted the club chairman, Daniel Levy, who said: “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.”

Cristian Stellini will take the team as acting head coach for the remainder of the season, along with Ryan Mason as assistant head coach.

Spurs are fourth in the Premier League but Newcastle are only two points behind with two games in hand. Limp exits against Milan in the Champions League and Sheffield United in the FA Cup did not help Conte’s cause.

Conte lasted less than two years at Spurs, having replaced Nuno Espírito Santo after the Portuguese was dismissed in November 2021. His side finished fourth in 2021-22 and qualified for the Champions League but this season has been overshadowed by the Italian’s frequent outbursts.

After the two dropped points against Southampton, Conte said: “For me this is unacceptable. We are winning 3-1, in control and concede two goals. I think it’s better to go into the problem, we are not a team. We are 11 players that go into the pitch. I see selfish players, players that don’t want to help each other and don’t put their heart [into it]. This season compared to last, now we are worse in this aspect. When you are not a team you cannot improve.”