Antonio Conte has left his role as Tottenham Hotspur manager by mutual consent after 16 months in charge.
Recall Conte had called Spurs players “selfish” and lambasted the club’s culture in a press conference after their recent draw at Southampton.
After the press conference, Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy described Conte’s position as untenable, and has now parted ways with the Italian.
Conte’s assistant Cristian Stellini will step up as head coach for the rest of the season, with former midfielder Ryan Mason his deputy.
Announcing the decision on Sunday night, Levy said, “We have 10 Premier League games remaining and we have a fight on our hands for a Champions League place,” chairman Daniel Levy said.
“We all need to pull together. Everyone has to step up to ensure the highest possible finish for our club and amazing, loyal supporters.”
Tottenham suffered a tame exit to AC Milan in the Champions League earlier in March, after Championship side Sheffield United knocked them out of the FA Cup at the start of the month.
Italian Conte, who had won league titles with former clubs Chelsea, Juventus and Inter Milan, was appointed in November 2021 after Spurs sacked Nuno Espirito Santo.
They struggled for consistency for much of his early tenure before a six-game unbeaten run, including a 3-0 win over rivals Arsenal, secured a top four finish.
But Tottenham’s troubles have continued this season with nine defeats and four draws in 28 league games and questions about the playing style
Conte’s departure means Spurs are searching for their fourth permanent manager in four years since Mauricio Pochettino left in 2019.
Steve Cooper, Roberto De Zerbi, Olivier Glasner, Luis Enrique and recently-axed Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann are among the coaches who could succeed Conte.
