Latest Tottenham manager: Antonio Conte out again with no guaranteed return to work
Antonio Conte was absent from Tottenham training again on Friday and it remains unclear whether or when he will return to the club following his explosive rant following last weekend’s draw against Southampton.
Conte returned to his native Italy the following day after watching his side relinquish a two-goal lead in the final quarter-hour at St. Mary’s, after calling his players ‘selfish’ and addressing veiled criticism at the time to club culture and ownership.
Spurs insist it is not unusual for Conte to take an extended break in his homeland during the international break. The 53-year-old’s wife and daughter still live in Italy, where the manager also spent time recently recovering from gallbladder surgery.
However, no date has been set for his return to Hotspur Way and assistants Ryan Mason and Cristian Stellini continue to train with a select squad of players not involved in their national teams.
Conte’s prolonged absence has only increased uncertainty around his future, with the Spurs hierarchy reportedly weighing their options. It has long been assumed that the Italian will not extend his stay beyond the end of his contract this summer, and senior players do not expect him to be in the dugout when Tottenham resume their campaign. Premier League at Everton one week on Monday.
The club are expected to monitor developments in Germany following the dismissal of Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann, which is expected to be confirmed shortly.
Spurs had been keen for Nagelsmann to succeed Jose Mourinho but missed out on Bayern’s German coach and eventually appointed Nuno Espirito Santo in the summer of 2021.
Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, who had been linked with the Tottenham job and was seen as open to a return to Premier League management in London, is set to be announced as Nagelsmann’s successor, excluding him from the claim to replace Conte.
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