Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte could be sacked before the end of the international break.
The Italian engaged in a furious post-match rant following the Southampton game where he called his players selfish and questioned their commitment to the club.
The 53-year-old was expected to leave the club at the end of the season anyway when his contract expires but it seems that his post-match antics could now force Tottenham’s hand and convince them to part ways now.
Ryan Mason has been tipped as a potential replacement. The former Tottenham midfielder is likely to be an interim appointment until a more permanent solution is found at the end of the season.
Reacting to the rumours, talkSPORT presenter Laura Woods has now shared her thoughts.
Woods revealed that it would be a fascinating choice and it will be interesting to find out the details behind the scenes that have convinced Tottenham to get rid of a proven world-class manager like Conte and appoint an inexperienced Mason.
“I would be fascinated if that is the choice,” said Woods (h/t HITC). “They support Ryan Mason, they did it last time. He is at the club, anyway, isn’t he?! He is already there embedded in there. Knows the team really well.
“If that’s what they are doing, then I would be fascinated to know how it’s gone so badly wrong with Conte behind the scenes, that you think it’s going to be a better environment to remove him and you have a better chance of making the top four, then allow Ryan (Mason) to take it.”
Tottenham are currently fighting for a place in the top four and they will be desperate to secure a Champions League finish.
It remains to be seen whether they are prepared to appoint Mason as the interim manager and whether he is capable of guiding them to a top-four finish. With Newcastle United and Liverpool breathing down their necks, Spurs cannot afford to make any mistakes now.
Missing out on the Champions League would be a devastating blow for them financially as well in terms of attracting top players.
