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MATT BARLOW: Is this the beginning of the end for Antonio Conte at Tottenham? The Italian's comments over his future gave him the look of a man that is lengthening his stride towards the exit

It was mid-October when Antonio Conte first started laughing at the notion of Tottenham as potential champions.

His team had just lost at Manchester United, their second Premier League defeat of the season, and they were third, four points from leaders Arsenal.

‘Sometimes I hear we are title contenders,’ he said, chuckling and shaking his head for effect. ‘In only 11 months you cannot pass from ninth to become title contenders, especially when you were 20 points less.’

Antonio Conte's future at the club looks uncertain following his latest comments to the media
Conte's side suffered their fifth defeat of the season in a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa on New Year's Day

In fact, Tottenham were 10th for Conte’s first Premier League game in charge, in November 2021, and finished the season in fourth, trailing champions Manchester City by 22 points.