By reaffirming that the nation “is in my heart,” Antonio Conte has opened the door for the possibility that he may leave Tottenham
Spurs were eliminated from the Champions League Round of 16 by Milan with a score of 1-0 after Brahim Diaz scored the only goal of the match with a close-range header after just seven minutes of play.
Spurs are currently focused on the second leg of the tie, which will take place in North London. If they are able to secure a victory there by a margin of two goals or more, they will have secured a spot in the last eight of the competition. Despite this, Conte’s team put in a feeble effort in northern Italy, and they ended up coming in clearly in second place.
It was a result that came just four days after his squad suffered a humiliating defeat in the Premier League at the hands of Leicester by a score of 4-1. Because of the injury to the anterior cruciate ligament that Rodrigo Bentancur sustained in that defeat, it is likely that he will miss the remainder of the season.
On Tuesday, not only were they playing without Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg because he was suspended, but Yves Bissouma’s ankle injury could keep him out until the end of the season as well. Young midfielders Oliver Skipp, 22, and Pape Sarr, 20, shone after coming into the lineup in Milan; nonetheless, Spurs are suffering a significant setback due to the absence of the aforementioned players.
After the loss in Milan, Conte gave another signal that he was considering his future and a possible move back to Italy. This time, he said so after the match. In addition to his time spent in charge of the Italian national team, he has also served as the manager of a number of clubs in Italy, including Juventus and Inter.
After the match, Antonio Conte offered his explanation, saying, “I don’t want to talk about the future but as a former Italian national manager people know how much Italy means to me.” “I feel it deep in my soul. I will never rule out the possibility that I may return to this place at some point in the future.
When alluding to the possibility of flipping the tie on its head, Conte said something that was more encouraging for Spurs: “For qualification, you have to play two games.” It was the first game played away from home, and the crowd was really into it. I am familiar with the San Siro, and I am aware of how challenging it can be to perform in such an environment. In the second game, which will be played in our stadium, our supporters will assist us generate an atmosphere that will be conducive to overcoming the challenge posed by Milan.
“I believe we competed against a terrific club, and you shouldn’t forget that Milan won the league in Italy the year before last. I believe that we are capable of doing far better to give up the first goal.
“Instead, we gave up a goal after perhaps only five minutes had passed. Then, we attempted to take the lead in the game and set up a scoring opportunity, but I believe Milan’s defense played really well. We had the opportunities to score, but in the end we are talking about a loss and a defeat.