Tottenham Hotspur may be forced to make a simple decision about Antonio Conte’s future at the club as his absence from the dugout continues. Conte’s contract expires in the summer, but it might be worth parting ways months ahead of time to save Spurs’ dwindling season.
Every time an opportunity to end their 15-year-old trophy drought arises, Tottenham seems to shoot themselves in the foot.
Since reaching the FA Cup semi-finals in 2018, the Lilywhites’ record in the competition has told the whole story of their long wait for silverware.
They suffered a fourth-round elimination to Crystal Palace the year after before four successive fifth-round exits to Everton, Norwich City, Middlesbrough, and most recently, Sheffield United.
Wednesday’s capitulation against Championship opposition at Bramall Lane has left Spurs’ campaign hanging by a thread.
If they fail to overturn their 1-0 disadvantage against AC Milan in the Champions League last 16, a top-four spot will be the only thing left to fight for. A far too common occurrence.
Conte wasn’t present in Sheffield, as he hasn’t been in four of the last six games while recovering from gallbladder surgery at the start of February.
Cristian Stellini has recorded a 1-0 win over Manchester City and 2-0 triumphs against West Ham United and Chelsea in Conte’s absence.
But the Italian’s continued spell back in his homeland is clearly taking a toll on his players, as is the uncertainty surrounding whether he will be at the club beyond the summer.
It doesn’t seem too outrageous to suggest it could be best for Tottenham to terminate Conte’s contract and let him continue his recovery in Italy, where he would reportedly prefer to be.
The club could then re-appoint Mauricio Pochettino, who, like Conte did last season, can inspire Spurs to a top-four finish and enter next season with a fresh sense of hope.
It will make even more sense if the decision has already been made to part ways with Conte at the end of his two-year deal.
The cost of missing out on Champions League football would impact the progress of a squad in need of further investment.
So making a proactive move to go through with what somewhat feels like an inevitable decision could save Tottenham’s season and a threatening financial loss.
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