Is Antonio Conte really that unhappy?

Spurs fans must live in perpetual fear that Antonio Conte is about to walk out on them given how despondent he is during post-match press conferences following a bad result. The Italian doesn’t hide his emotions and instead, uses the time to subtly take aim at chairman Daniel Levy and the lack of resources he has to make Spurs a world-class team.

This will be followed up a few days later at a pre-game press conference with a denial that he is miserable in London and what he said a few days prior has been lost in translation. It’s a dance we’re all used to now and you have to wonder how unhappy the current Spurs boss genuinely is? After all, today’s football odds price his team at just 12/5 for a top-four finish during a season where visible progress has been made. That’s not to say that Spurs are the finished article under the Italian or even at the level he expects them to be at this stage of their journey together, but their playing style has undoubtedly improved and they’ve recorded some notable scalps.

The thrilling win against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium is naturally the result that springs to mind but there were also incredibly positive signs against Everton during a 5-0 rout in early March. Of course, Frank Lampard’s side is in the midst of a relegation battle and everything needs to be put into context, but Spurs could have scored ten on the night such was their insatiable desire to get forward.

In fact, you came away from the resounding win against the Toffees having observed a few encouraging signs about Conte that may paint a clearer picture of his current state of mind at Spurs. To start with, Conte warmly accepted the signing of his name by the fans and offered up enthusiastic applause back to them in the first half which was revealing. At least, it appears as if Conte is working hard to build a relationship with the supporters which leads to believe that he isn’t about to leave them high and dry.

Another telling sign was the way the Italian celebrates when Spurs score. To say that he is consumed by total euphoria would be putting it mildly given the Italian often runs and then leaps into the arms of his assistants whilst punching the air. Additionally, once he has touched base with his think tank, he turns to the crowd to celebrate by roaring ‘come on’ over and over as he makes wild arm movements.

It is quite the sight and represents everything that is so precious about watching a goal being scored in a professional football match and the primal response that grips you thereafter. With that said, there are many disgruntled managers who are able to withhold their emotions after a goal when in a standoff with the powers that be of their club.

Incidentally, Conte seems like he could also be the perfect candidate for a muted reaction if he wanted to make a point, which once again, leads you to believe that he is fighting for every point and trying to build something at Spurs. Indeed, there appears to be a lot on the line for Conte and his actions show it.

With this in mind, you can’t help but feel that it is a case of smoke and mirrors with the Italian and that in actual fact, he sees himself staying at Spurs for a long while to come.