The Tottenham Hotspur football club is in a state of flux once again as reports suggest that the club's chairman, Daniel Levy, is currently in talks with former head coach Antonio Conte over a compensation package worth $18 million. According to Sun Sport, Ryan Mason has been appointed as the interim coach, a role he also held when Jose Mourinho was sacked on April 19th, 2021. Former coach Harry Redknapp is reportedly also in the frame to assist Mason in managing the team until the end of the season.
Before any of this can happen, however, Tottenham must reach an agreement with Conte over the compensation package. The Italian coach's contract with the club runs until June 30th, 2023, and usually, clubs only need to pay the remaining salary of a sacked coach. But Conte's contract reportedly includes a clause that requires Tottenham to pay a year's salary if they terminate the contract before its expiration date.
Conte, who earns around $18 million a year at Tottenham, has been vocal about his frustration with the team's performance, calling out the players' selfishness and lack of ambition. Following their elimination from the Champions League by AC Milan in the round of 16, Conte even stated that he "could be fired before the end of the season." Some players have also publicly criticized the coach, with striker Richarlison claiming that the coaching staff didn't keep their promises to him and midfielder Pierre Emile Hojbjerg asserting that the players are not selfish and work hard for the team.
Many players feel that it's time for Tottenham to part ways with Conte, and Levy is reportedly working with the 54-year-old coach's representatives to end the contract this week. Tottenham's only goal now is to secure fourth place in the English Premier League, guaranteeing a spot in the Champions League next season. However, according to statistics from Opta, Tottenham only has a 23.9% chance of retaining their top-four spot, while Newcastle and Liverpool have a higher chance at 39.9% and 30.7%, respectively. Meanwhile, third-placed Manchester United has a whopping 91.8% chance of finishing in the top four.
In summary, Tottenham Hotspur is once again searching for a new coach as Daniel Levy negotiates a substantial compensation package with Antonio Conte. With the team's chances of securing a top-four finish dwindling, the club is in desperate need of a new direction, and the next few weeks could be pivotal in determining the future of the team.
