Antonio Conte: Players Want Tottenham Boss Sacked After Outburst

Antonio Conte: Players Want Tottenham Boss Sacked After Outburst

Elijah Odetokun
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:28 PM
  • Antonio Conte let loose on Saturday after the 3-3 draw against relegation-threatened Southampton
  • Spurs surrendered a 3-1 lead to draw and Conte was not too happy with the players and club
  • His outburst has landed him into trouble with the board and players alike as he faces an uncertain future

Antonio Conte may have bit off more than what he can chew after an explosive post-match interview on Saturday following Tottenham's 3-3 draw against Southampton.

The Italian was unhappy after his team surrendered a 3-1 lead to draw against the relegation-threatened Southampton, who have sacked two managers this season.

He spoke his mind in a very brutal post-match interview where he slammed the players for being selfish and not showing any effort for the money they earn. He also touched on the club claiming their story has been the same for the past 20 years.

Antonio Conte, Tottenham, Southampton.
Antonio Conte looking dejected during the match between Tottenham and Southampton. Photo by Tottenham Hotspur.
Source: Getty Images

Spurs players want Conte sacked

Having your boss call you out as selfish and questioning your commitment publicly is a move that damages the relationship between players and managers as it has played out many times in football.

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As reported by Sun UK, Tottenham players were left stunned by their manager's outburst and have a feeling that he won't be at the club next season. While some others want the Italian, who is on a short break in Italy to be sacked during the international break.

Conte explains to Tottenham board

The players were not the only ones not pleased with the nature and gravity of some of the words uttered by the former Chelsea boss. The club's board are reported to be totally displeased with the comments.

As reported by Mirror UK, the former Juventus boss was made to clarify the comments to club chairman Daniel Levy in an emergency meeting after the game.

He claimed that the words were not a criticism of the club's hierarchy but solely directed at the players. He also questioned why it is the coaching staff who gets the rod and not the players who are also responsible.

Mourinho's comment on Tottenham resurfaces

Sports Brief earlier reported that former boss Jose Mourinho handled the situation better than Conte when faced with a similar challenge during his time at North London.

The Special One praised the board for the job they have done before going ahead to lay demands and promising he would try to help the club win trophies.

However, he was sacked six days to the 2021 Carabao Cup final, which they eventually lost to Manchester City. Young manager Ryan Mason led the team to the final against Pep Guardiola.

Authors
Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.
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Antonio Conte