HANGING UP HIS SPURS

Tottenham Hotspur fans had high hopes for manager Antonio Conte, but he’s called it quits after only 18 months at the club

- DENNIS CAVERNELIS

AFTER he was announced as the new man at the helm of one of the English Premier League's top clubs there was great excitement. After all, Antonio Conte knows a thing or two about winning.

At Chelsea he took home the league title in his first season and the FA Cup in his second. But Conte couldn't bring his brand of magic to Tottenham Hotspur in his 18 months there. Three months before the end of his contract, he and the club parted ways by "mutual agreement". For months he'd refused to be pinned down about renewal, and the club couldn't ignore his recent blistering attack.

"We're not a team, Conte ranted after Spurs drew 3-3 with Southampton. "We're 11 players that go onto the pitch. I see selfish players that don't want to help each other and don't put their heart into it. Why is it happening? Because they're used to it. They don't want to play under pressure."

The outburst signalled the end of his time at Spurs, pundits say. There's no way he could've commanded player loyalty after tearing into them.

Club owner Daniel Levy said they must focus on the remaining Premier League matches. If Spurs make the top four they can get into the Champions League.

"Everyone must step up to ensure the highest possible finish for our club and amazing supporters."

LIFE, DEATH & REFLECTION

Insiders say Conte (53) has been unhappy for some time and there's great speculation his personal life had a big role to play in his decision to burn his bridges with Spurs in such a public way. Three recent deaths affected him immensely, friends and colleagues say.

In October, he lost close friend Gian Piero Ventrone (61), who was on his staff as the fitness coach. Friend and former Lazio defender Sinisa Mihajlovic (53) died in December and his former Juventus and Italy teammate Gianluca Vialli (57) passed away in January.