Antonio Conte has left his role as Tottenham head coach by mutual agreement with Daniel Levy confirming the decision in a statement. The Italian had faced an uncertain future at Spurs with his contract expiring in the summer and has now been relived of his duties.
The north London outfit did have the option to extend Conte's deal by a further 12 months. However, this became increasingly unlikely after the Italian launched an shocking attack on his players and the club after the 3-3 draw against Southampton prior to the international break.
Cristian Stellini will take the team as acting head coach for the remainder of the season, along with Ryan Mason as assistant head coach. Julian Nagelsmann has emerged as a potential successor to Conte, whilst Mauricio Pochettino has also been linked with a return to N17.
READ MORE: Next Tottenham manager: Julian Nagelsmann and 3 other names top of list to replace Antonio Conte
So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at all the events which led up to the Italian leaving.
Tottenham make contact with Julian Nagelsmann as Daniel Levy looks for Antonio Conte replacement
Spurs have now made contact with Nagelsmann over their vacant managerial position, according to Sky Germany. The former Bayern boss is thought to be taking time over a decision about his future despite reports also linking him to Real Madrid - with Carlo Ancelotti rumoured to become Brazil's next manager.
A report from the Daily Mail states that Levy has made Nagelsmann his 'top target' to replace Conte at N17 and is seeking clarification from the German as to whether he would be interested in succeeding the Italian at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The 35-year-old's immediate availability, along with the fact that he can be appointed without having to pay compensation, makes him a very attractive prospect.
Conte sends message to Tottenham fans
Conte sent a message to Spurs fans on social media thanking those who 'appreciated and shared' his passion for football. The Italian wrote in a post on Instagram: "Football is passion.
"I would like to deeply thank everyone at Spurs who appreciated and shared my passion and my intense way of living football as a coach. A special thought to the Fans who always showed me support and appreciation, it’s been unforgettable to hear them singing my name.
"Our journey together has ended, I wish you all the best for the future - Antonio."
Conte's assistant, Cristian Stellini, is set to take charge alongside Ryan Mason until the end of the current campaign. Stellini will oversee 10 games in the top flight, with the aim of getting Spurs back into the Champions League for next season.
Conte leaves Spurs by mutual agreement
Tottenham confirmed Conte had left the club in a statement released on Sunday evening. It 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."
Daniel Levy 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.”
Sack expected
Tottenham are expected to part ways with Conte this week, according to The Telegraph. It is claimed that Spurs will sanction the Italian's departure this week, just days after his public outburst where he slammed the squad.
The Lillywhites blew a 3-1 lead to Southampton, who currently are bottom of the Premier League, on Saturday afternoon, drawing 3-3 thanks to a last-gasp James Ward-Prowse penalty.
Daniel Levy meeting
The club not winning a major trophy for several years under the current ownership was among the topics mentioned in Conte's post-match press conference over the weekend.
Conte said: "Tottenham's story is this. 20 years there is the owner and they never won something but why?" According to Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel, during talks on Saturday night, Conte explained to board members his comments were only aimed at the players and not hierarchy.
They also report Daniel Levy has accepted Conte’s version of events and therefore the Italian will remain in his role for now.
Southampton press conference rant
The Tottenham boss was asked just four questions by the media following his side's draw to Southampton, but in those 10 minutes Conte unleashed a barrage of anger aimed at the club, the ownership and the players.
Discussing the late collapse, Conte said: "They are used to it here, they are used to it. They don't play for something important yeah? They don't want to play under pressure, they don't want to play under stress. It is easy in this way. Tottenham's story is this. 20 years there is the owner and they never won something but why?
"The fault is only for the club, or for every manager that stay here? I have seen the managers that Tottenham had on the bench. You risk to disrupt the figure of the manager and to protect the other situation in every moment.
"Until now I try to hide the situation but now no because I don't want to see what I have seen today because this is unacceptable and also unacceptable for the fans. They follow us, pay for the ticket and to see the team another time to have this type of performance is unacceptable. We have to think a lot about this."
Players' stance
The Tottenham players expect it is only a matter of time until Conte leaves following his press conference tirade on Saturday evening, according to Sky Sports.
Conte admits sack option
Following the defeat to Milan, Conte made an intriguing claim on Italian TV which has cast further doubt over his position. He said: "My contract expires in June. We will see — they might sack me even before the end of the season, who knows, maybe they are disappointed."
Then, when pushed on his future in his post-match press conference, the Spurs boss, as he has done several times this season, reiterated that it will be at the end of the season when he and the club will make a decision. Conte said: "This is not right day to speak about future but my future.
"I have a contract with Tottenham and then Tottenham know very well which is my thoughts and at the end of season we will meet and then we'll make a decision."
Pochettino claim
In April 2020, Pochettino claimed that he would love to one day return to Tottenham. Speaking to BT Sport, the Argentine said: "Deep in my chest, my soul, my heart - I am sure that we will cross [paths] again.
"From the day that I left the club, my dream is to be back and to try to finish the work that we didn't finish. We were so close to winning the right trophies, the Premier League and the Champions League. Maybe in five years, maybe in 10 years, and now I'm going to conspire with the universe and to throw out the idea that before I die, I want to manage Tottenham again and try if possible to win one title."
Manager shortlist
Should Tottenham lose Antonio Conte in the summer, there would be the need for a replacement that will take over immediately. The Athletic reports that a few coaches have been mentioned in relation to the job with Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi, Marco Silva, Thomas Frank and Steve Cooper all named.
Conte exit
According to The Times, Conte's break from Tottenham - in which he had to recover from gallbladder removal in Italy - has only strengthened his will to return to his home country at the end of his contract.
Player change
The Tottenham squad are said to be anticipating an exit for Conte at the end of the season, reports the Athletic. The players are apparently tired of the intensity, training sessions and current approach within games.
Contract dilemma
Tottenham have a dilemma to solve when it comes to the contract of Antonio Conte. The Italian's current deal expires in the summer and it appears as though there is yet to be any substantial discussions over the continuation of the project for longer than the next few months.
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