Antonio Conte is no stranger to grueling challenges. The Italian tactician defied the odds to win league titles with Juventus, Inter Milan and Chelsea under difficult circumstances, and when he replaced Nuno Espirito as Tottenham's new manager back in November 2021, the serial winner relished the opportunity to once again achieve the impossible. 

"Having a one percent chance to win is enough for me," declared Conte at his unveiling with Spurs. "I've never taken charge of teams that had won the year before. I have always rebuilt clubs during my career. Juventus had finished seventh, Chelsea 10th, Inter fourth... But I know it will take some patience this time." 

Conte was well aware of how demanding a test he would face. His new team have not claimed major silverware in 15 years. Despite a large infusion of cash, the English giants have won just a trifling League Cup since the ownership group, chaired by Daniel Levy, took over the club in 2001.

Just three weeks into his tenure, Spurs suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Slovenian minnows NS Mura in the Europa Conference League. It was Cone's first loss since taking charge and he reacted in brutally honest fashion at the post-match press conference. 

"I am starting to understand the situation and it is not simple," he fumed. "At this moment the level at Tottenham is not so high. I am happy to stay here, but we have to work a lot to improve the quality of the squad. 

"We are Tottenham, but there is an important gap with the top teams. Someone might think that a new coach arrives and Conte won in the past and then I am a magician. But the only magic I can do is to work."

While Spurs started an unbeaten run after the blip, Conte was not pleased and publicly expressed his frustration over the club's inaction during the winter transfer window.  

"We lost four players, four important players for Tottenham, but we brought in only two," he told a press briefing. "So even just in terms of numbers, rather than reinforce the squad, we on paper weakened it. 

"Tottenham are seeking young players they can develop and grow, not players who are ready... But if you want to grow quicker and if you want to be competitive more rapidly, you need players with a lot of experience, because they also raise the experience level of the overall team...  

"But I repeat, I have realized now that this is the vision of the club [to invest in young players]."

After Spurs overtook arch-rivals Arsenal to seal a Champions League place in a dramatic race for the Premier League's top four last season, Levy backed Conte with several high-profile new signings, with Brazil striker Richarlison, Croatia winger Ivan Perisic, France defender Clement Lenglet and English goalkeeper Fraser Forster all joining in the summer.  

However, for all the much-needed additions, things didn't improve in the new season.  

Having his gallbladder removed in an emergency surgery in Italy, Conte could only watch on at home as his team tumbled out of the FA Cup and Champions League in quick succession. 

Then, after coming back to England, he witnessed Spurs surrender a 3-1 lead to draw at struggling Southampton. A furious Conte could not contain his anger any longer. 

"Tottenham's story is this: 20 years there is this owner and they never won anything. Why?" he told a press briefing. "The fault is only for the club, or for every manager that stay here? Until now I try to hide the situation but not now because, I repeat, I don't want to see what I have seen today because this is unacceptable and also unacceptable for the fans." 

"We are 11 players that go into the pitch. I see selfish players, I see players that don't want to help each other and don't put their heart. I am not used to this position. I'm really upset and everyone has to take their responsibility. 

"If they want to continue in this way, they can change the manager, a lot of managers, but the situation cannot change. Believe me." 

After the sensational rant that pointed the finger at the club's owners and players, it seemed inevitable that Conte would be sacked. The only question was when. 

And late Sunday night, the Italian's long-brewing departure from Tottenham was finally confirmed.  

The club released a terse statement on their website, thanking Conte for his contribution and saying they "wish him well for the future." It added Conte's assistant Cristian Stellini will step up as interim coach for the rest of the season, with former midfielder Ryan Mason his deputy. 

"We have 10 Premier League games remaining and we have a fight on our hands for a Champions League place," chairman Levy said. "We all need to pull together. Everyone has to step up to ensure the highest possible finish for our club and amazing, loyal supporters." 

Conte's dismissal means Tottenham are searching for their fourth permanent coach in four years since long-serving Mauricio Pochettino was axed in 2019.  

A new cycle is about to begin.