Antonio Conte's future as Tottenham boss increasingly uncertain
Antonio Conte is facing questions over his Tottenham future following Spurs’ worrying form… any contract extension beyond the summer is unlikely should the Italian fail to turn things around
- Antonio Conte could depart Tottenham this summer after difficult recent run
- His deal expires at the end of the season and Spurs have an option to extend
- Mauricio Pochettino is currently out of work and his return would appeal to fans
- Tottenham’s defeat to Arsenal has left them five points off the top-four spots
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte’s position is increasingly uncertain with the club’s worrying form emerging as a key factor in deciding the Italian’s long-term future.
The former Chelsea and Inter Milan manager’s position is unclear following yet another defeat – a 2-0 loss against bitter rivals Arsenal – as Spurs enter the second half of the season.
Conte’s existing deal expires in the summer, though the club have the option of extending by 12 months.
Antonio Conte could depart Tottenham this summer with concerns growing over future
Spurs have struggled this season and are five points off the top four after defeat to Arsenal
However, there is an understanding from all parties that it would be self-defeating to activate the extension if their visions for the club are not aligned.
Conte has made clear he wants to be convinced of Spurs ambition if he is to commit his future given his reputation as a trophy-winning coach.
However, Sportsmail has learned that the team’s results and performances have been under the spotlight behind-the-scenes at Spurs in recent months following a difficult run that has seen them win just three of their previous nine Premier League matches.
The 2-0 loss to their bitter rivals has put the Italian under the spotlight behind the scenes
Conte has been vocal in his criticism of some aspects of the club and there are concerns that the two parties visions do not align
While there is recognition at Tottenham that Conte – widely recognised as an elite coach – has accomplished much since arriving in November 2021, their recent form has raised cause for concern.
Spurs were desperate for Conte to sign a new contract at the end of last season after he led them to a top-four finish.
Much of the narrative around Conte’s future has been that he will decide whether he decides to sign a new deal.
Mauricio Pochettino could seal a dramatic return to the club if Conte leaves in the summer
Pochettino was previously at Tottenham between May 2014 and his sacking in November 2019
However, the team’s difficulties has seen the strength of feeling for Conte to extend reduce in recent weeks.
Tottenham are currently five points adrift of a place in the top-four and face Manchester City on Thursday.
Their recent form suggests they may struggle to replicate last year’s achievement of qualifying for the Champions League.
The uncertainty over Conte’s future will not have gone unnoticed by chairman Daniel Levy, who is notorious for planning his managerial appointments well in advance.
Former Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel is an obvious candidate, but whether he would even consider joining Tottenham considering his successful spell at Stamford Bridge is unclear.
Ex-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is also out of work – and his appointment would be attractive to a sections of supporters. But whether the Spurs hierarchy would be open to the Argentine returning is uncertain.
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