Antonio Conte’s future as Tottenham boss is becoming increasingly uncertain

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte’s position is increasingly uncertain as the club’s worrying form is emerging as a key factor in deciding the Italian’s long-term future.

The former Chelsea and Inter Milan manager’s position is unclear after yet another defeat – a 2-0 loss to bitter rivals Arsenal – as Spurs head into the second half of the season.

Conte’s existing contract expires in the summer, although the club have the option to extend it by 12 months.

Antonio Conte could leave Tottenham this summer with growing worries about the future

Spurs have struggled this season and are five points behind the top four after losing to Arsenal

However, all parties agree that it would be pointless to activate the extension if their visions for the club are not aligned.

Conte has made it clear he wants to be confident in Spurs’ ambitions if he is to shape his future given his reputation as a trophy coach.

However, Sportsmail has learned that the team’s results and performances have been in the spotlight behind the scenes at Spurs in recent months after they won just three of their last nine Premier League games in a difficult run.

The 2-0 defeat at the hands of their bitter rivals has put the Italian in the spotlight behind the scenes

Conte has been vocal in his criticism of some aspects of the club and there are concerns that the two parties’ visions are not aligned

While it is recognized at Tottenham that Conte – widely recognized as an elite manager – has achieved much since arriving in November 2021, his recent form has been a cause for concern.

Spurs were keen for Conte to sign a new deal at the end of last season after guiding them to a top-four finish.

Much of the narrative on Conte’s future has been that he will decide if he decides to sign a new contract.

Mauricio Pochettino could seal a dramatic return to the club if Conte leaves in the summer

Pochettino was previously at Tottenham between May 2014 and his sacking in November 2019

However, the team’s difficulties have meant that sentiment of Conte’s extension has waned in recent weeks.

Tottenham are currently five points adrift of a place in the top four and meet Manchester City on Thursday.

Their current form suggests they could struggle to repeat last year’s Champions League qualifying success.

The uncertainty about Conte’s future will not have escaped chairman Daniel Levy, who is notorious for planning his managerial appointments well in advance.

Former Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel is an obvious candidate but whether he would even consider a move to Tottenham given his successful spell at Stamford Bridge is unclear.

Ex-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is also unemployed – and his appointment would be attractive to some supporters. But whether the Spurs hierarchy would be open to the Argentine’s return is uncertain.