21 March 2023 , 22:32
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As the dust settles on Antonio Conte's rant at the weekend, concerns have been raised that some of the potential candidates to replace the Italian in North London share his concerns.
Spurs finished fourth under Conte last season and a busy summer prompted some to tip them to improve on that placing this time around. Instead, though, they're not even assured of Champions League qualification, while they limply bowed out of this season's competition after a 1-0 aggregate defeat against AC Milan.
The latest setback came on Saturday when Spurs threw away a 3-1 lead to draw with struggling Southampton, prompting Conte to go on a tirade. He remains in a job at the time of writing, though, and it appears as though he is not the only one to hold reservations about the Lilywhites' squad.
Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is among those to be linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, while former Spain boss Luis Enrique is another to have been mentioned in connection with the role. Conte, meanwhile, is out of contract at the end of the season and could yet see out his deal - though reports suggest he may well leave sooner.
According to The Telegraph, though, some of the issues raised in Conte's rant are shared by one or more of those in the mix to replace him. Some are said to be of the feeling that Spurs overachieved by finishing fourth last term, and they are currently on track to finish on a lower points tally than in the 2021-22 campaign.
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The same report suggests Ryan Mason is likely to take caretaker charge for the remainder of the season if Conte makes an early exit. There are also questions over the future of managing director of football Fabio Paratici, who oversaw much of the club's transfer business during Conte's tenure but might not remain at the club beyond this season.
Who should Spurs bring in? Have your say in the comments section
Antonio Conte's comments after Spurs' weekend draw attracted plenty of attention (pixel8000)"We are 11 players that go into the pitch," Conte said after his team conceded twice in the final 15 minutes at Southampton. "I see selfish players, I see players that don't want to help each other and don't put their heart.
"Being a team, it is the most important thing. To understand that we play for the badge. We have to play to make our fans proud of us. We have to pay to show desire. The fire in your eyes to win. If you have this , for sure, you don't go out in FA Cup. Today you win.
“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."