“Unpacking Antonio Conte’s Departure from Tottenham: 5 Key Contributors to His Exit After 16 Months”

Antonio Conte, the former head coach of Tottenham Hotspur, has left the club by mutual agreement after just 16 months. PA News Agency looks back at a selection of the matches that led to the Italian’s departure.

1. Mura 2 Tottenham 1 (November 25, 2021)

Spurs lost to the Slovenian minnows, Mura, who were the lowest-ranked team in the Europa Conference League despite Harry Kane’s goal. Conte admitted that Tottenham needed improvement and that he was not a ‘magician.’

2. Burnley 1 Tottenham 0 (February 23, 2022)

Conte threatened to quit as Spurs continued to lose against Burnley. Months later, he hinted that his post-match press conference was designed to spur the squad on. However, Spurs finished the season without a trophy.

3. Sheffield United 1 Tottenham 0 (February 27, 2022)

Harry Kane was rested by Conte before a game against Sheffield United. Despite making five other changes from the weekend win over Chelsea, Tottenham delivered a disjointed performance and were eliminated.

4. Tottenham 0 AC Milan 0 (March 8, 2023)

Spurs failed to win or score during a home game, which would’ve given them the chance to progress in the Champions League. Conte’s decision to withdraw attacker Dejan Kulusevski for centre-back Davinson Sanchez left the majority of the 61,602 in attendance dumbfounded.

5. Southampton 3 Tottenham 3 (March 18, 2023)

With a 3-1 lead and set to move into third place, Spurs conceded a penalty in stoppage time to draw against Southampton. Conte criticized the team, calling them ‘selfish’ and criticizing the team’s history of winning trophies. Days later, he was let go.