Yesterday's clash between Tottenham and Burnley not only produced a disappointing defeat for the north London giants, but it also led to an explosive post-match interview from Antonio Conte.
Despite beating the defending champions and league leaders Man City 3-2 over the weekend, Spurs were unable to pick up a single point in their trip to Turf Moor, losing 1-0 in a fresh blow to their top-four hopes. When asked about the difference in performance and why the team went from that excellent weekend display to this midweek's catastrophe, the Italian boss surprised everyone by suggesting he might quit the club.
"I think that we are doing everything to try to improve the situation, but maybe it is not enough. It is very frustrating, this is the first time it has ever happened in my life. Maybe I am not so good," the former Inter Milan, Juventus, and Chelsea boss stated.
"I think Tottenham called me to improve the situation, but I am too honest to close my eyes and to continue to tell, 'I want to finish the season in this way, but my salary is good'. I am not this type of person. I have ambition.
"I hate to lose and we lost four out of five games. For me, I repeat, this is unacceptable."
"Maybe I'm not so good. I want to try and move this situation and to also make assessments with the club"
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) February 23, 2022
Antonio Conte questions whether he is the right man for the job at Spurs in a dramatic post-match press conference #THFC pic.twitter.com/ftoBsfNHrU
Antonio Conte says the Club will now have to make an assessment about his future after a defeat to Burnley tonight. pic.twitter.com/z2QLaiEKZX
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 23, 2022
Given that he only arrived at the club four months ago due to Nuno's mid-season sacking, will the Italian boss quit his north London job without even completing the campaign? According to talkSPORT, that is unlikely. The English radio channel and news outlet report that despite stating "I have to speak with the club", the Serie A and Premier League winner's intention was not to set the groundwork for his inevitable exit.
Instead, it was a pre-planned "rallying call to his under-performing players". Conte refused to confirm whether he would be in charge of Tottenham for their next game, which is a showdown with the struggling Leeds, but talkSPORT claim he will be in the dugout and has no immediate plan to walk.
Nonetheless, his words weren't interpreted that way, nor were they welcomed by the Tottenham fan base. The manager was criticized heavily and was already under-fire after slamming the club's January transfer window in an interview in Italy.
