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Antonio Conte 'returns to Italy for a break' after Tottenham outburst but doesn't want axe
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has returned to Italy amid speculation regarding his future at the club.
Tottenham manager Antoni Conte reviews Southampton draw
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has reportedly returned to his homeland Italy during the international break, as rumours swirl regarding his future following his side's 3-3 draw away to Southampton on Saturday. The Italian hit out at the club and his squad after squandering a two-goal lead at St Mary’s, as his post-match outburst prompted fresh reports that he may be dismissed from his job.
Despite Spurs currently sitting in fourth place in the Premier League table, supporters have grown discontent with the brand of football that Conte has brought to the club. His latest attack at the club ensured that crisis talks were held and certain Spurs players believed that he was set to lose his job.
Some felt that Conte’s rant was his attempt at getting Spurs to sack him, ensuring that his contract would be paid up and he could leave before the end of the season. However, that is not said to be the case despite Conte leaving the country during the international break.
Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solehkol wrote on Twitter: “Antonio Conte did not speak out on Saturday because he wants Tottenham to sack him. His comments reflect what he's felt for a long time. Intention wasn't to attack players or the board. He's at home in Italy for a few days. He's made life very difficult for himself at Spurs.”
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Spurs coach and former player Ryan Mason is set to step in for Conte until the end of the season if a decision is made to relieve the Italian of his duties, according to The Telegraph, as the club are still pondering over whether to sack him.
Chief Daniel Levy is said to be consulting his trusted allies with the decision and having spoken to Conte following the stunning press conference, he was told that the Italian was questioning his players and not the hierarchy of the club.
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“We are 11 players that go into the pitch. I see selfish players, I see players that don't want to help each other and don't put their heart,” Conte said after the draw at Southampton. "Maybe previously in the other games something can change. But here we're used to it for a long time.
“The club has the responsibility for the transfer market, every coach that stayed here has the responsibility. And the players? The players? Where are the players? In my experience, I can tell you that if you want to be competitive, if you want to fight, you have to improve this aspect.
"And this aspect, I can tell you, in this moment is really, really low. And I see only 11 players that play for themselves."