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.
この記事は YOU South Africa の 6 April 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は YOU South Africa の 6 April 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
OUR BRAVE LITTLE FIGHTER
Like her late sister, little Elana was born with a rare lung condition and can't breathe without a ventilator, but her parents are walking this familiar path with courage and hope
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
With his new film, The Fall Guy, Ryan Gosling put stunt doubles centre stage but how hard is it for a complete amateur to master the trade? Journalist Simon Usborne decided to find out
INSPIRATION EVERYWHERE
Irish writer Cecelia Ahern chats to YOU about writing her novels in longhand, her love of Lego and looking forward to her first wine-tasting in South Africa
THE KIDS ARE NOT OKAY
Something happened around 2010 that's had a huge impact on Gen Z, says a new book. It was the start of the phone-based childhood, and it's resulted in a rewiring of kids' brains - and a surge in depression and anxiety
HE'S ON THE BALL
Despite having no lower legs, -Grayton's prowess on the rugby field has made him a social media star
THIS ISN'T JUSTICE
A woman was shot dead by her fiancé, who said he thought she was an intruder. Now her family believe he got off lightly
THE BOSS IN CHARGE OF YOUR CROSS
As chief electoral officer of the IEC, Sy Mamabolo has his hands full these days!
HEARTBREAK AND HOPE
Relatives and loved ones share their stories as rescue efforts continue for the people still trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building in George
BLOOMING!
Shes adored by fans and loathed by haters, but like the character she plays in her new movie, Anne Hathaway says shes putting her own Joy first
SUSSEXES' AFRICAN ADVENTURE
Meghan and Harry took Nigeria by storm – but relations with the royal family remain icy