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২৯ মার্চ, ২০২৩ ০২:৪৪ পূর্বাহ্ণ
Spurs focus on saving season after Conte departure
Spurs
focus on saving season after Conte departure
LONDON,
MAR 28: Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy admits the Premier League club have a
"fight" on their hands as they scramble to save their season after
Antonio Conte's turbulent reign came to an end.
The Italian's departure appeared almost
inevitable after his extraordinary post-match rant following a 3-3 draw at
bottom club Southampton earlier this month.
But Sunday's divorce by "mutual
agreement", with just 10 Premier League games remaining, is a gamble by
the Spurs hierarchy, who are desperate to secure a place in the lucrative
Champions League next season.
Tottenham are fourth in the Premier League table
but are just two points ahead of Newcastle having played two games more --
finishing in the top four guarantees entry into Europe's elite club
competition.
Cristian Stellini, Conte's assistant at Spurs,
will take charge for the rest of the campaign, with former midfielder Ryan
Mason working as his deputy.
With the club out of all cup competitions, at
least Stellini can afford to put all of his eggs in one basket.
"We have 10 Premier League games remaining
and we have a fight on our hands for a Champions League place," Levy said
in a club statement issued late on Sunday.
"We all need to pull together. Everyone has
to step up to ensure the highest possible finish for our club and amazing,
loyal supporters."
The writing appeared to be on the wall for Conte
when he tore into his "selfish" players after they let a 3-1 lead
slip against Southampton, saying they did not want to play under pressure and
criticising the club's culture.
The 53-year-old's contract was set to expire at
the end of the season and he had remained coy over the prospect of extending
his stay in north London.
During his 16-month reign Conte portrayed
Tottenham's problems as beyond his control, subtly hinting at frustration with
Levy's transfer policy without explicitly condemning him in public.
But he was criticised by fans over his perceived
conservative tactics, despite having impressive attacking riches at his
disposal including Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
A total of 11 full-time managers have been
appointed since Levy succeeded Alan Sugar as chairman in 2001 but the club have
won just one trophy in that time -- the 2008 League Cup.
Conte was widely regarded as a serial winner
when he arrived in November 2021, having won league titles at Juventus, Chelsea
and Inter Milan.
In his first season he guided the club to an
impressive top-four finish, coming from behind to pip north London rivals
Arsenal to Champions League qualification.