Report: Manager turned down Spurs job last summer ‘without doubt or uncertainty’

Roberto Mancini reportedly turned down the chance to become Tottenham’s new manager last summer, according to Il Mattino. 

Spurs embarked on a lengthy search for a new face in the dugout after dismissing Jose Mourinho from his post midway through last season. 

Antonio Conte headed a list of candidates following his shock departure from a title-winning campaign with Inter Milan, but Spurs could not seal his services at the time (Mirror). 

A host of other names were assessed, including the controversial Gennaro Gattuso – who was chopped from Tottenham’s options after fan unrest (Evening Standard) – but Spurs ended up settling for former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo. 

However, the Portuguese lasted just a handful of months in North London with Spurs deciding to sack him following a poor run of form across all competitions. Nuno was eventually replaced by Conte in November. 

However, he was not the only Italian coach Spurs were interested in according to Il Mattino, with Italy manager Mancini also in their line of sight. 

The 57-year-old, fresh off success at Euro 2020, appeared on Spurs’ radar but allegedly turned down their approach in favour of continuing his tenure with his national side. 

The report claims Mancini ‘didn’t falter’ when it came to giving his answer, which also came ‘without doubt or uncertainty’. 

Spurs Web Opinion 

Mancini would also have been a good option for Spurs to recruit, especially over some of the names reportedly touted in the summer. 

But you feel the club will be happy with their decision to land Conte instead, despite Mancini’s alleged rejection. 

Conte has made his feelings very clear about what he wants to achieve and the resources he needs to do that, so it is up to the club to give him that support. 

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