Tottenham’s loss to AC Milan over two legs in the Champions League round-of-16 has fuelled further speculation surrounding Antonio Conte’s future in north London. The Italian side progressed at Spurs’ expense after their 1-0 win at the San Siro was followed up by a lacklustre goalless draw in north London.
The full-time whistle was met by a chorus of boos from the home faithful, and was swiftly followed up by sections chanting Mauricio Pochettino’s name. The former Spurs boss was in fact the last man to win a Champions League knockout match for the club, famously doing so against Ajax in the 2019 semi-finals.
Speaking about his future after the match, Conte said: “This is not right day to speak about future but my future, I have a contract with Tottenham and then Tottenham know very well which is my thoughts and at the end of season we will meet and then we’ll make a decision.” However, the club appear to have made a decision regarding his short-term future.
Despite calls from some to make an immediate change, no action seems to be on the cards as it has been confirmed his Friday pre-match press conference will go ahead as planned at 1.30pm. This comes before he will lead his side back out onto the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium pitch on Saturday afternoon, for the Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest.
Conte sees his contract expire at the end of the season, and while there is an option for an extra 12 months, it looks increasingly unlikely he will extend beyond this summer. Alongside his own admissions, several reports have emerged that hint towards an exit for the Italian, with the Times reporting Conte’s break in Italy to recover from his gallbladder surgery has only strengthened his will to return to his home country at the end of his contract.
Pochettino heads the list of potential managerial replacements, while Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi have also been linked to the role. The former Tottenham manager has previously spoken about his desire to return to the club he once guided to the Champions League final, telling talkSPORT in November 2022: “I miss the Premier League. Why not (return to manage in England)? We are open.
“I love England, I love living in London and Barcelona. And of course, if that possibility (to return) appears for sure we will consider taking it.”
