According to Football.London, Antonio Conte has still not returned to Tottenham Hotspur amid the controversy of his latest press conference, leaving Ryan Mason and Cristian Stellini to take charge of the upcoming friendly against Ipswich.
Conte’s time at the club took a fresh turn last weekend when, after watching his side squander a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with relegation battlers Southampton, the Italian delivered an explosive, highly-critical press conference (Football.London).
The 53-year-old described his players as ‘selfish’ and poked at the fact the current ownership has failed to deliver trophies to the North London club.
As a result of his comments, it has been suggested Conte will lose his job by the end of this week (Telegraph).
The Tottenham manager is currently in Italy for a short break during the international period. It is thought any decision on Conte’s future will be made when he returns to the club (Independent).
As is customary during Conte’s tenure, he is spending a little longer in Italy during this first week of the international break, making the most of “time with his family at his Turin home.”
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While the majority of the Spurs squad are away representing their countries, “a handful of first teamers and plenty of U21s” are preparing for a friendly match at Hotspur Way against Ipswich.
The team will be managed by Stellini and Mason, as was the case during Conte’s health-related absence in February.
The squad for the friendly is likely to comprise of “only four fit outfield first-team Spurs players.” Clement Lenglet, Lucas Moura, Japhet Tanganga, and Arnaut Danjuma are all available for the game, as are goalkeepers Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman.
Spurs Web Opinion
I don’t think there would be any need for Conte to rush back to take charge of this friendly anyway, especially given the circumstances.
I just hope this whole situation is resolved soon so that we can move past it and focus on finishing up the season and getting that top-four spot.
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