Cristian Romero and Richarlison ‘considered QUITTING Tottenham if Antonio Conte stayed’, claims Argentine journalist, as the pair’s relationship with the Italian hit breaking point over his criticism
Tottenham duo Cristian Romero and Richarlison issued ultimatums over their futures at the club if Antonio Conte had remained in charge, according to reports in Argentina.
The Italian departed by mutual consent on Sunday after an astonishing outburst blasting his own players following the club’s collapse to draw 3-3 at the Premier League’s bottom club Southampton.
It has been claimed by Argentine journalist Gaston Edul that Romero and Richarlison’s relationship with him reached breaking point and that they considered quitting Spurs in the wake of the boss’ brutal criticism.
His shocking tirade is thought to have alienated several members of his team, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg urging Conte to be more ‘precise’ with his comments.
And Edul told Argentine TV channel TyC Sports: ‘Conte’s relationship with the squad was very bad, it’s needless to say, it’s something that we could see in his words.
Tottenham pair Richarlison and Cristian Romero considered quitting the club if Antonio Conte stayed
Italian boss Conte left at the weekend after a shocking tirade aimed at his players
Chairman Daniel Levy may have had to deal with player revolt if Conte had remained in charge
‘Some players had given an ultimatum in case he continued. Now the outlook of Tottenham changed.’
And when asked if players had issued ultimatums if Conte had stayed, Edul confirmed the theory – before naming the pair who spoke out.
He added: ‘Yes, I say that because we can say it, in fact we waited to say it. Cristian Romero was rethinking about his stay at the club if Conte remained. As I understand it, the same thing happened with Richarlison.
‘Because he treated them very badly, not only face to face or in a private environment but also publicly. Conte publicly criticised the players and that caused friction. But now Romero is going to stay at Tottenham, that’s the plan.’
Edul is said to have a strong contacts book in South America, with Romero hailing from Argentina and Richarlison from Brazil.
Conte’s former assistant manager Cristian Stellini has taken charge for the rest of the season and will be working alongside coach Ryan Mason.
It is unclear how the players feel working under Conte’s old No 2, who may share similar opinions on the players.
On Thursday, former Spain and Barcelona boss Luis Enrique appeared to rule himself out of a move to north London as the club search for a new permanent manager come the summer.
Tottenham’s season descended into chaos after managing director of football Fabio Paratici was hit with a global ban
Spurs have also been linked with a move for Julian Nagelsmann, who was ruthlessly sacked by Bayern Munich last week.
Tottenham’s season descended into chaos on Wednesday after managing director of football Fabio Paratici was hit with a global ban from football leaving the club considering their legal options.
Less than 24 hours after the club released a video of the Italian administrator – who has been in his homeland this week – talking about the departure of Antonio Conte, Paratici’s continued involvement in Tottenham’s operation was thrown into disarray after FIFA extended an original suspension, dished out to the 50-year-old by the Italian football federation for alleged financial irregularities dating back to his time with Juventus, to a worldwide ban.
Tottenham say they were not notified ahead of FIFA’s announcement on Wednesday morning.