Report: Coach on standby to replace Antonio Conte

According to a report from The Times, Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason is currently on standby to take charge of the first team in the event of Antonio Conte being sacked by the club.

Conte’s position as Tottenham head coach is currently at risk due to the Italian’s outburst in the post-match press conference at the weekend after the 3-3 draw against Southampton (Football.London).

The 53-year-old was unhappy with his players for throwing away a two-goal lead in the game and wasted little time in verbally attacking his players and the culture of the club (Mail).

It was widely believed that Conte and Tottenham would part ways in the summer when his current contract expires (Daily Mail), however, it appears that it is now likely to happen in the coming days.

The Telegraph claims Tottenham will dismiss Conte this week and insert Mason in his place, with the young first team coach lined up to take temporary charge of the senior squad until the end of the season.

While Conte still remains in his job at this moment in time, the latest from The Times suggests Mason is preparing to take over as caretaker manager as soon as this weekend. If so, his first game in charge would be the Premier League clash at Everton on April 3.

The report adds that Mason is likely to be “assisted by two of the four coaches” who were by his side for his previous stint in charge back in 2021. It is noted that Chris Powell stepped down from England duties last week and therefore could be available.

Former Spurs keeper Michel Vorm could also return as interim goalkeeping coach. However, we should not expect to see club ambassador Ledley King to join the coaching team at this time, and former assistant Nigel Gibbs has left the club so is not thought to be in line to help Mason.

There is a chance that Spurs could also temporarily promote Jermain Defoe from his role with the U18 side.

Ryan Mason Antonio Conte
Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images

Spurs Web Opinion

I am oddly kind of looking forward to the idea of this modest coaching team coming together for the rest of the season. It’s been such a chaotic and frustrating season so far that it might be nice to just take all the pressure off and see what Mason and his team can do.

Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Related Topics

Have something to tell us about this article? Let us know