Tottenham Hotspur have sacked Antonio Conte via mutual consent after 16 months in charge.
Conte’s departure comes with Spurs sat fourth in the Premier League – one point behind third-placed Manchester United but two points ahead of fifth-placed Newcastle – but both Man Utd and Newcastle have two games in hand on Tottenham.
Spculation over Conte’s future had been rife with the Italian having yet signed a new contract beyond the conclusion of this season, whilst Tottenham’s form has been inconsistent since the start of 2023 – especially on the road with just three away wins in all competitions.
In a statement confirming Conte’s departure, the club said: ‘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 has been appointed as Acting Head Coach until the conclusion of this season, with a top-four finish being Spurs’ sole priority after suffering unexpected FA Cup and Champions League exits against Sheffield United and AC Milan respectively earlier this month.
Ex Spurs player and former interim manager, Ryan Mason will serve as Assistant Head Coach to Stellini across the remainder of this campaign.
Tottenham Chairman, Daniel Levy addressed supporters with a brief statement in relation to Conte’s departure as he urged fans and players to unite and support each other in the run-in.
Acknowledging that they only have ten matches left of the season, Levy commented: “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.”
Conte’s exit comes just under 17 months since he replaced Nuno Espirito Santo as manager following the Portuguese’s struggles in North London at start of 2021-22 season, having briefly sat top of the Premier League after Spurs won their opening three games in August 2021.
Conte though wasn’t able to replicate his previous success with Chelsea across in North London as Spurs scraped a fourth-placed finish last season, whilst their best finish in a cup competition under Conte saw them exit against his former team in the semi-finals of last season’s Carabao Cup.
Tottenham will announce their new manager in due course.
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