Tottenham hold talks with Antonio Conte after Italian’s explosive rant

Tottenham Hotspur and their manager Antonio Conte have discussed Saturday’s rant, reports the Daily Mail.

The Italian was displeased with his players’ performance in the 3-3 draw against Southampton.

Spurs were 3-1 up with 15 minutes left on the clock.

However, they were shocked by the Saints, who fought back into the game and snatched a late equaliser.

Conte let fly at his players, and he appeared to criticise the board too.

The Italian told Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy during their meeting last night that his comments were only aimed at the players.

The Spurs chief is sticking with Conte for now but will take his time before deciding.

The north London club do not return to action until after 15 days, when they face Everton on April 3.

It will give Levy and other key decision-makers enough time to come up with a final resolution.

Conte is expected to leave Tottenham at the end of the season.

Although there is an option to extend his contract by 12 months, both parties are expected to part company.

Some of the players have reportedly grown irritated by his manner and intensity.

They believe the negativity he conveys in public has affected the squad’s morale.

This weekend’s episode has done very little to repair the disconnection between them and Conte.

They are unlikely to miss him if he is shown the exit door before action resumes after the international break.

Spurs remain fourth in the Premier League after 28 games.

However, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion would overtake them if they win their outstanding games.

Tottenham cannot afford to miss out on Champions League qualification, and they need to bring in a manager capable of delivering instant results if they decide to sack Conte.