Antonio Conte has made a career out of having meltdowns.
His latest was up there with his best, pure box office as he let rip at everyone - bar himself - and it is difficult to think that was not almost challenging Tottenham to sack him. Now, Spurs have a huge decision to make as to whether to stick with Conte for the rest of the season or make the change immediately.
It will surely all come down to the fallout of his rant at Southampton and whether it leaves his position as untenable. And, in my view, there is no way back for Conte. When you slaughter the players like Conte did, it is hard to imagine that they will have respect for him in the same way that he has made it pretty clear he has lost respect for them.
They should make the change now. Conte is going at the end of the season anyway because his contract is up and there is no chance of Tottenham deciding to exercise the 12-month extension option.
What defies belief in Conte’s rant is his lack of self awareness. When you talk about why Tottenham have “not won a trophy for 20 years” (the cupboard has been bare since 2008, Antonio, but who’s counting?), then he needs to look at himself. If anything smacked of a “Spursy” result, then it was their FA Cup defeat at Sheffield United in the fifth round when Harry Kane was only a substitute.
Let’s get this right. The manager decided not to start their best player, the England captain and record goalscorer, and it’s the club’s fault not his that they don’t win trophies? That is unforgivable. Since then, Tottenham’s season has unravelled as they lost at Wolves, went out of Europe and threw away a two-goal lead at Southampton.
Conte should accept responsibility and his part in why it has gone sour. The fans have given up on him, they do not like his negative, defensive style and there has never been the love-in which Daniel Levy might have expected in hiring one of the world’s top managers.
But do not be fooled into believing Levy didn’t know what he was getting into. He is super-shrewd and hired a manager on £15million a year and last season he got them into the top four ,so that’s job done. They could yet do it again. Levy also knew Conte came with dangers. He ranted at Chelsea - his meltdowns against Diego Costa were my personal favourites - and has done similar in every job he has ever held.
Is the writing on the wall for Antonio Conte? Have your say in the comments...
Last week, Levy was definitely intending to keep him until the end of the season. Now, he has a decision to make. But it’s a decision that shouldn’t just be short term but long term. They can still make top four. Conte is leaving in the summer, come what may. Some of the targets - Luis Enrique, Mauricio Pochettino or Thomas Tuchel - are available now.
It would be crazy for Pochettino to go back. He did brilliantly in his first spell but it would be impossible to replicate it with this squad. Enrique - could he do it with this set-up? Tuchel would be the best bet, in my opinion. And now Conte has given Spurs a decision to make.
