Jamie Carragher slams Antonio Conte’s comments following Spurs collapse

Rory Fleming

Conte appears to be on the brink following Spurs’ draw at Southampton.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte launched a furious tirade against his own club on Saturday following his side’s collapse at relegation-threatened Southampton.

The north London club had built a commanding 3-1 lead at St. Mary’s, only for two late Saints’ goals to snatch a point for Rubén Sellés’ side.

An extra-time penalty from James Ward-Prowse saw Southampton rescue a point. (Credit: Getty Images)

Following a fortnight which has seen Spurs dumped out of both the FA Cup and Champions League by Sheffield United and AC Milan respectively, the result on the English south coast has compounded a torrid spell for Conte’s side.

Now sitting just two points above fifth-placed Newcastle, who have two games in hand, Spurs now find their place in the Champions League spots in serious jeopardy.

In a bizarre post-match rant, the Italian manager criticised both the board and players, saying “Tottenham’s story is this – 20 years there is this owner and they never won something”.

Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy was one of those criticised by Conte. (Credit: Getty Images)

With the former Chelsea and Inter Milan coach’s contract up this summer, it appeared he was asking club chairman Daniel Levy to relieve him of his duties; “if they want to continue in this way, they can change the manager, a lot of managers, but the situation cannot change. Believe me.”

These extraordinary comments incensed both fans and pundits online, with former Liverpool and England centre-half Jamie Carragher calling for Spurs “to put him (Conte) out of his misery and do it (sack Conte) tonight”.

Conte wants to be sacked in this international break.

Spurs should just put him out of his misery and do it tonight. https://t.co/K5gfers2ZQ

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) March 18, 2023

The pundit then went on to add that whilst Conte is right about the mentality and general malaise around Tottenham, that a Premier League manager cannot speak about his own side in such an egregious manner.

“You don’t speak about your own club like that. Especially when you’re getting paid fortunes by them!”, exclaimed Carragher on Twitter.

His point about Spurs not winning for a long time is right, but you don’t speak about your own club like that.

Especially when you’re getting paid fortunes by them!

The improvement in Arsenal this season after finishing above them last season kills a lot of his arguments. https://t.co/k0SnLGHkxu

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) March 18, 2023

The Champions League winning centre half’s final point is the one which will ring true to Spurs fans the most though, as Carragher compared Tottenham’s fortunes with North London rivals Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s youthful Arsenal side are currently leading the Premier League, having previously finished in 8th and 5th place in the Spaniard’s first two seasons in charge.

“The improvement in Arsenal this season after finishing above them (Spurs) last season kills a lot of his (Conte’s) arguments”, the Liverpool legend said.

With murmurings surrounding a possible return to White Hart Lane for former manager Mauricio Pochettino, Antonio Conte’s spell in charge at Spurs looks to be screeching to an abrupt halt.

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