"Exigent" Conte compared to Mourinho after Tottenham sacking

The Italian boss left the north London side after only 16 months.

Tottenham should have known they were hiring a special character when signing Antonio Conte, according to Christian Vieri.

The Spurs sacked Conte following his furious rant after a 3-3 draw against Southampton. The Italian manager didn’t shy away from criticizing the club and his players.

“Antonio is accustomed to clashing with everyone, it’s his character,” said Vieri, who played alongside Conte at Juventus.

“If a club hires him, they should not expect someone happy with anything, but they know he is a severe and exigent person.

“It’s heavy to have him at a club, he leaves you sleepless. There are coaches like him and Jose Mourinho who are like hammers and demand the best from everyone at all times. And then there are those who are happy with anything. Everyone has his view.”

Conte succeeded Mourinho at Tottenham, with both managers failing to leave the Spurs to their first trophy in 15 years. The club had brilliant spells under both managers, but problems with the club’s hierarchy forced them to leave the north London side.

Tottenham will take on Everton in their first game after Conte’s departure. The Spurs sit fourth on the Premier League table while competing in no cup competitions.