Antonio Conte's departure as Tottenham Hotspur manager was a mere formality from the moment he concluded his incendiary unmasking of his squad's frailties and the culture of failure at the club.
The Italian could not be bolstered by the protection of results or performances as a shield from an outburst that was always going to receive an ice-cold welcome from chairman Daniel Levy after Spurs cast aside a 3-1 lead to draw at Southampton.
The 53-year-old Conte's words were heavily laced with self-preservation, both for his previously stellar reputation and for the deadly dull fare served up under his stewardship.