Think Ventrone dying and his own ill health contributed and when the second season didn't go well (plus the World Cup break), an always unstable guy turned even more self destructive than usual.Conte is clearly a very good coach, who unlike Mourinho is still at the top of his game. He did great for us taking over and getting us 4th and we played some great football. Said elsewhere for 3 or so months its the only time we've looked a serious, proper side in the last 6 years. I have no idea what happened over that summer, i'm guessing he had the hump about players purchased or not purchased and it was clear he had lost interest pretty early the following season. Shame really, he was never long term but 22/23 should have really set us up to be challengers.
