Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham, Julian Nagelsmann eyed as long-term replacement
Tottenham Hotspur announced late Sunday that they have parted ways with Antonio Conte “mutually,” with former Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann projected as Conte’s long-term successor.
Conte’s turbulent 16 months in charge of the North London club reached a low point on March 18 when the Italian unleashed an extraordinary post-match rant after Spurs blew a 3-1 lead in a 3-3 draw at Southampton.
Spurs announced that assistant coach Cristian Stellini will oversee the first-team until the end of the season, but with Nagelsmann available following his dismissal from Bayern Munich on Friday, it is believed that the club is considering the highly-regarded 35-year-old German coach as a more permanent replacement for Conte.
“We can announce that head coach Antonio Conte has left the club by mutual agreement,” a club statement read.
“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 will take the team as acting head coach for the remainder of the season, along with Ryan Mason as assistant head coach.”
Spurs are currently fourth in the Premier League, but only two points ahead of fifth-place Newcastle United, who have two games in hand in the race for Champions League qualification.
Stellini replaced Conte on the sidelines earlier this season, when the Italian was recovering from gallbladder surgery.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy added: “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 won league titles in his previous three managerial stints at Juventus, Chelsea, and Inter Milan, but he was unable to end Tottenham’s 15-year trophy drought.
His agreement was set to expire at the conclusion of the season.
Conte accused his players of being “selfish” and incapable of performing under pressure in an extraordinary tirade following the draw against Southampton.
He also criticized Tottenham’s lengthy trophy drought, blaming a culture of frequent managerial turnover.
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham, Julian Nagelsmann eyed as long-term replacement
