Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Antonio Conte’s Tottenham future, although it may not want to be what some unhappy fans will want to hear.
The Italian is coming under increasing pressure at Spurs after a hugely inconsistent season, which was summed up in the space of six days last week when Conte’s men beat Manchester City only to then lose 4-1 at Leicester.
Poor defensive performances have become all too regular for Tottenham this season, despite Conte playing a formation that should provide solidity at the back.
The former Inter Milan chief has, however, refused to show any flexibility with his base 3-4-3 set-up – even when it clearly has not been working.
A strong of disappointing displays and poor performances has led to many Spurs fans calling for Conte’s exit.
Add in the fact that the Italian has so far refused to agree a contract extension in north London and it appears things could be heading towards an unhappy ending.
Indeed, reliable Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio was recently quoted as saying that Conte will be leaving Spurs in the summer.
And now Romano has provided an update on Conte’s position on the eve of his return to Milan.
Injury-hit Tottenham face AC Milan in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie and Romano has revealed doubts over whether Conte will return to management in his homeland.
Big Serie A trio unlikely to be on hunt for new managers
The transfer insider is unconvinced that the likes of Juventus, AC Milan and Inter will be looking for new managers. And that has led to him playing down talk of a Serie A return for Conte – news that will be unwelcome to Spurs fans who want him out.
“We’ve always had rumours and speculation over Antonio Conte almost since he joined Tottenham,” Romano told CaughtOffside.
“Conte loves Serie A and he’s Italian so it’s normal. But at the moment I’m not even sure there are going to be many options…
“Inter are not in talks with any coach, AC Milan fully trust Pioli at this stage and Juventus are not in the position to open talks with other managers before they decide on new board and more… so, nothing concrete yet.”
Conte takes his Tottenham side to Milan without several key first-team names.
Rodrigo Bentancur was ruled out for the remainder of the season on Monday, joining Hugo Lloris and Yves Bissouma on the sidelines while Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg is banned for the game at the San Siro.
Oliver Skipp and Pape Matar Sarr are the favourites to start in midfield, although there has been talk of Eric Dier potentially being moved forward to provide more steel in Milan.
