Tottenham should SACK Conte and appoint out-of-work manager ‘as soon as possible’ says ex-England legend Merson
ARSENAL legend Paul Merson has told Tottenham to sack Antonio Conte NOW and replace him with the man everyone knows will replace him.
The Italian’s future was plunged into serious doubt this week after they meekly bowed out of the Champions League.
Spurs produced a tepid performance as they failed to overturn a 1-0 deficit against AC Milan with their manager receiving boos and jeers from supporters when he replaced attacker Dejan Kulusevski with centre-back Davinson Sanchez for the final minutes.
Conte‘s future had already been the subject of much scrutiny with his lucrative contract set to expire this summer and no talks to extend his stay.
That has led to speculation over potential replacements for him at Spurs, with many wanting their ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino, who is out of work currently, to return.
And former England attacker Merson has told the Daily Star to just get on with it.
He said: “Mauricio Pochettino is going to be appointed the manager of Tottenham in the summer, so why not get him now? There is no point messing about.
“What’s the point in keeping Antonio Conte, do you want to get in the top four or not? Spurs have just gone out of two competitions and it’s now been 15 years since their last trophy.
“I really don’t like to see managers get the sack as they are humans but at the same time you’ve got to shake things up.
“I would do it now. Spurs are a big football club and are currently going nowhere.
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“I was talking to a Tottenham season ticket holder on the school run in midweek and I told him that Wednesday night against AC Milan was the worst I’ve ever seen from a Spurs side. It really was that bad. He agreed.”
Merson added: “For me, Pochettino should come on board as soon as possible. He could lift the players in the race for fourth and it also gives him time to prepare for next season.
“It’s such a win-win as Conte no longer looks like he wants to be there anymore.”
Spurs sacked Poch was sacked by Tottenham after five-and-a-half years in charge back in November 2019.
Despite not winning a trophy for Spurs, he guided the club to four consecutive Champions League finishes.
Prior to his arrival, Spurs had finished in the top four in just two of their previous 22 seasons in the Premier League.
He also took the club to the Champions League final in 2019, but Liverpool prevailed as they won 2-0.
After replacing Tim Sherwood in 2014, Poch took charge of 293 games, winning 159, losing 72 and drawing on 62 occasions.