sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Tottenham Hotspur lose behind closed doors friendly from 2-0 up, without Antonio Conte

Tottenham Hotspur lose behind closed doors friendly from 2-0 up, without Antonio Conte

Spurs were hoping to build some confidence in the international break but they threw away a two goal lead against Ipswich Town.

Tottenham Hotspur were dealt their latest embarrassing blow, as they lost a behind closed doors friendly to League One opposition, after leading 2-0.

How most of the football pyramid in England would love problems like the ones facing Spurs, as they remain in the race to finish in the top four in the Premier League.

However, underneath the surface of that privileged position, things in north London have not been going well recently, with their eliminations from the FA Cup and the Champions League coming in quick succession.

Last week they threw away a two goal lead against bottom of the table Southampton, leading to Antonio Conte absolutely ripping into his players.

The criticism led to claims that the players no longer wanted the Italian to be in charge of them, and felt he should leave before they returned from international duty.

That is yet to happen and, whilst the majority of the first team are away with their national teams, the manager has gone home to Italy.

With the boss and much of the senior side absent, they played a behind closed doors friendly with League One side Ipswich this week.

According to the Sun, the Premier League side took a 2-0 lead, through Lucas Moura and Japhet Tanganga, however, Kieran McKenna's side completed a comeback to win 3-2.

Tottenham players during the recent draw with Southampton. Image: Alamy
Tottenham players during the recent draw with Southampton. Image: Alamy

That Conte was not in charge is not exactly a good sign for his future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with reports that compensation negotiations are slowing down the club's decision to part ways with the former Chelsea manager.

Their options of who to replace him were slightly changed on Thursday night, after they'd bee linked with a potential move for Thomas Tuchel.

The German is now expected to become Bayern Munich manager, with Julian Nagelsmann getting sacked over fears Bayern might not win Bundesliga for once.

Nagelsmann now becomes a potential replacement for Spurs' current manager, whilst Mauricio Pochettino's return has also been rumoured.

One positive for the English side over their embarrassing friendly defeat is the return of Hugo Lloris, with their first choice goalkeeper starting the game against the Tractor Boys.

Spurs then conceded their three goals when the former France captain, who has been out injured, was subbed off, leaving a young keeper between the sticks.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Premier League, League One, Ipswich Town, Tottenham Hotspur, Antonio Conte, Football