Arrivederci Antonio! Under-fire Tottenham manager Conte heads home to Italy as footage emerges of him on a RyanAir flight, with Daniel Levy considering his future following explosive rant at his players after they threw away 3-1 lead at Southampton
Antonio Conte has returned to Italy as Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy considers his head coach’s future at the club.
The £15m-a-year Spurs boss was spotted flying back to his family home in Turin on a RyanAir flight following his incredible verbal tirade against his players in the aftermath of Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Southampton.
Conte gave his players and staff two days after the demoralising result at St Mary’s, during which the team conceded two late goals to let slip a commanding 3-1 lead.
And the head coach has used the opportunity to return to Italy in order to spend time with his family, who have remained in his homeland.
Conte often returns home when there is a gap in the team’s training schedule and it is understood his latest flight back to Italy is not linked to the growing uncertainty over his immediate future.
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has been spotted on a Ryanair flight leaving England
Conte’s Spurs side blew a 3-1 lead against Southampton on Saturday to draw 3-3 at St Mary’s
The Italian lashed out at Tottenham as a club and his players in his post-match press conference
Tottenham’s non-international players are due back at the club’s Enfield training facility on Tuesday for the first time since the explosive outburst that could yet see Levy bring forward plans for Conte’s departure.
The Italian laid into his players during a series of explosive post-match interviews in which he questioned their desire and attitude.
Conte clarified during talks on Saturday night that his comments were solely directed at the players not members of the board.
Nevertheless, his scathing remarks have amplified already significant concerns among the hierarchy about disharmony between the squad and their manager.
Indeed, Levy is said to be still considering terminating Conte’s contract before the end of the season, when he was expected to leave regardless of how the team finish the campaign.
Qualifying for next season’s Champions League is the club’s only target and Levy, originally, did not want to make a decision that may detrimentally impact their chances of a top four finish.
But there are palpable concerns behind the scenes now that Conte’s presence is negatively affecting morale amongst the squad, an issue that the board are aware of.
After the recent feeble Champions League exit to AC Milan, the feeling transmitting from well-placed sources was that the club was committed to continuing with Conte until the end of the season.
Conte blasted his players, insisting they can’t play under pressure or stress during games
Conte has reportedly spoken to Spurs owner Daniel Levy (left) since the outburst
However, the sense emanating since his explosive blast is that the situation is no longer so definitive.
Former player Ryan Mason, who is currently part of Conte’s backroom team, would be a candidate to replace Conte on a short term basis if Levy decides to act.
Mason has major respect inside the club and has taken charge of the team before after the sacking of Jose Mourinho in 2020.
Tottenham are currently fourth in the Premier League table with Conte expected to leave at the end of the season
Post source: Daily mail