Antonio Conte's uncertain status may destroy Tottenham's sputtering season if the Italian is benched for Wednesday's pivotal Champions League match against AC Milan.
After missing the previous four games while recovering from gallbladder surgery, Conte will take over as Tottenham's manager on Sunday.
While keeping in touch with his assistant Cristian Stellini and watching on television at home in Italy, Conte observed Tottenham go through a rocky patch that typified the team's inconsistent performance under his leadership.
Spurs appeared to be on track to capture a Premier League position in the top four after two 2-0 victories against West Ham and Chelsea.
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However, such optimism was dashed by a miserable FA Cup fifth-round loss at lower-tier Sheffield United by a score of 1-0 and a second depressing league loss by the same margin against Wolves on Saturday.
This week, Conte returned to Tottenham's opulent training facility to discover a team that isn't exactly in trouble — they currently hold fourth place in the Premier League — but that is once more drifting aimlessly into a lacklustre conclusion to the season.
Even a manager with the reputation of Antonio Conte has yet to be able to end the drought for the north Londoners, who haven't won a significant prize since 2008.
Tottenham's frequently sluggish reaction to pressure has made them appear more like "mentality midgets," in contrast to Jurgen Klopp's memorable description of his Liverpool players as "mentality monsters" during the height of their success under the German.
Conte has characterized Tottenham's issues as being outside his control while subtly alluding to displeasure with chairman Daniel Levy's transfer philosophy.
But, the 53-year-old is shouldering some blame from Tottenham supporters who have grown weary of his staid strategies and dubious substitutions.
A Significant Bump
Some Spurs supporters questioned what the future would hold without Conte after Stellini's runs of three straight victories that ended with the FA Cup loss.
The former champion of Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Juventus has yet to sign a contract extension before it expires at the end of this year. Serie A clubs would undoubtedly be interested in signing him if he were available.
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It wouldn't be shocking if Conte and Levy decided a breakup in May was the only choice, even if Tottenham finishes in the top four to ensure a return to the Champions League.
In the round of 16's second leg against Milan, Tottenham will play there to erase a 1-0 deficit from the previous encounter at the San Siro.
Before a pivotal night in their season, Tottenham needs Conte to boost their spirits.
Failure against a lacklustre Milan would indicate Tottenham's gloom, while success might pave the way for a happier conclusion.
Ben Davies, a defender for Tottenham, recognized the significance of Conte's attendance at the Milan match.
"We have a big game on Wednesday, and he said he must be with us. "It's been a while, but it's time," he added.
This year, Conte has cut a fierce figure on the sidelines, but Stellini shared Davies' optimism that their manager's return will revitalize Tottenham.
Until the end of the season, Antonio will be a massive boost for us, according to Stellini.
"It's critical that Antonio return. Antonio has seen that the team is still alive. They desire victory and dominance in the match".
