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This is an archive article published on March 27, 2023
Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy urged to reassess priorities before appointing new manager by Tottenham Hotspur supporters’ trust
Most soccer fans knew all about Conte, the serial winner — at least before he arrived at Tottenham — known to eventually combust, pretty much as he did a week ago in a rant that marked the beginning of the end of his time in north London.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy. (Reuters)
The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust have called on Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to keep to his promises after the exit of Antonio Conte. This comes after Tottenham Hotspur parted ways with manager Antonio Conte on Sunday, with Cristian Stellini to be acting head coach for the remainder of the season.
In a statement released it said, “No supporters want to see their manager leave during the season as it usually means something has gone wrong,” they said.
“Despite the difficulties faced this season, THST would like to place on record its thanks to Antonio for his hard work during his 18 months in charge, particularly last season and during that tremendous run-in.
“We also acknowledge the personal challenges Antonio has faced this season and wish him well as he continues to recover from his operation.
“This departure will come as no surprise to Spurs fans. We are aware many supporters had grown tired of the football associated with the manager, while others felt he was the right man to take the club forward and will be saddened to see him depart.
“The Club’s board must now have a clear strategy for what and who comes next, and it needs to tell this Club’s supporters what that plan is. THST has repeatedly called for this, and fans deserve it.”
“Less than two years ago, at the end of the 2020/21 season in May, Chairman Daniel Levy told supporters the Club would focus on the recruitment of a Head Coach saying they were ‘acutely aware of the need to select someone whose values reflect those of our great Club and a return to playing football with the style for which we are known’.
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“Many supporters will feel the appointments of Nuno Espirito Santo and then Antonio Conte following Jose Mourinho’s spell do not reflect the promises made above.
“In the same statement, Mr Levy said: “I feel we lost sight of some key priorities and what’s truly in our DNA.”
“As another season without silverware comes to an end, we would urge the Club Board to reassess those priorities before appointing a manager the entire fanbase will get behind, and building a team that can truly challenge for domestic and European honours, respecting the traditions of our football club.
“We, and all Spurs supporters, will now get behind Cristian Stellini, Ryan Mason and the coaching team, in pushing the team towards securing another top four finish.”
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In the meantime, the club’s board will begin the search for a fourth permanent manager since Pochettino left in 2019. Here are some of the potential options:
MAURICIO POCHETTINO
Pochettino was fired by Tottenham when the team’s fortunes declined following its remarkable rise capped by an unlikely appearance in the Champions League final in 2019. The fans would certainly like it, though chairman Daniel Levy might have moved on.
JULIAN NAGELSMANN
The 35-year-old Nagelsmann is available after being fired by Bayern Munich on Friday. He is young and ambitious and might have his eye on bigger jobs, potentially Real Madrid if Carlo Ancelotti leaves at the end of the season.
ROBERTO DE ZERBI
De Zerbi, an Italian like Conte, has taken Brighton to new levels since joining as a replacement for Graham Potter in September. The team has lost just one of its last 13 games after adapting to De Zerbi’s bold playing style and is in a good position to qualify for Europe for the first time.
(With AP inputs)
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