Antonio Conte could quit Tottenham if his side lose to Arsenal in the north London derby on Sunday.
That’s according to Troy Deeney, who believes the Italian manager’s recent complaints could precede him leaving his post.
Spurs remain inconsistent in the Premier League and Conte believes they have no chance of challenging for the title without significant investment in the squad.
They welcome Arsenal on Sunday with their fierce rivals currently top of the Premier League table having won 14 of their 17 league games.
And Deeney believes the disappointment of a heavy defeat to the Gunners could be a hammer blow in their quest to qualify for the Champions League, and lead to Conte’s exit.
“There is a feeling as a player that if you don’t win, the fans could turn on you for the next six months,” said the Birmingham striker.
“And, as a manager, if you get turned over 4-0 or 5-0 there will be calls for you to be gone by the end of that day.
“That’s the reason why I feel there is so much pressure on Tottenham. They have fallen so far behind Arsenal.
“They have flattered to deceive and not only do they need a performance, this is a must-win.
“There is so much frustration and disappointment that if they lose badly, where next? I don’t see them recovering for the rest of the season.
“The way Antonio Conte has been complaining recently, he may even walk himself after a defeat to rivals and title-chasers Arsenal.
“Somebody like Conte is emotional in his behaviour. He already has reasons as to why he is annoyed, with the quality of the squad and the need for investment.
“A defeat this weekend puts him on the edge of doing something that Tottenham do not want to see happen.”
Deeney also reckons Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Cristian Romero will show the dark side of their game in the derby.
“I am positive the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Cristian Romero will be trying their best to cause little frictions throughout to wind up certain Arsenal players,” he added.
“Spurs aren’t even on the same pitch as Arsenal form-wise, so they need to do something to level the scores.
“Eddie Nketiah will have to be wary of that. This is arguably the biggest game of his career.
“If he misses a chance and Romero gets all over him, I hope he keeps his head.”
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