Antonio Conte offers worrying update on Spurs future after UCL setback

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte thinks he could be sacked by the club before the end of the season in the wake of the Champions League elimination against AC Milan.

Spurs were held to a draw by Milan in the second leg of the round of 16 last night, with the Italian giants advancing into the quarter-finals on an aggregate 1-0 scoreline.

It was a dismal performance from the Lilywhites as they registered only two shots on target. Cristian Romero was also sent off in the 78th minute.

The elimination stretched Tottenham’s trophy drought for 15 years, and Conte admits that he has failed to live up to the expectations this season.

“My contract expires in June – we will see – they might sack me even before the end of the season,” Conte said (h/t the Guardian).

“Perhaps the expectations were higher and they may be disappointed. What matters for a coach is trying to work and raise the bar. This year we are struggling to raise the bar.”

Following an inconsistent few weeks, Spurs were seemingly restored with confidence after back-to-back victories against West Ham United and Chelsea.

However, they have regressed with the Champions League defeat against Milan, which further highlighted Conte’s poor record in European competitions.

Conte returned to the touchline last night for the first time in a month after taking a break to continue his recovery from gallbladder surgery.

There were immense hopes for the Italian gaffer at the start of the season after he helped Spurs finish inside the Champions League places last term.

However, they have no trophies to fight for this season, having exited all major competitions.

Their place in the next season’s Champions League is also not guaranteed either, as they sit fourth in the Premier League, three points ahead of Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

Conte’s future remains a subject of speculation for a long time as he hasn’t responded to Spurs’ extension offer.

The Champions League debacle has dented his chances of continuing in north London beyond the summer. 

Former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a surprise return if Conte leaves.