Harry Redknapp offers to replace Antonio Conte as Tottenham boss despite managerial retirement

Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp has offered himself to the club with Antonio Conte on the verge of losing his job.

It has been reported that Daniel Levy is prepared to sack Conte during the international break this week.

The Italian heaped criticism on his players as well as the owners at Spurs in a stunning rant following his side’s 3-3 draw with Southampton at the weekend, where they conceded two late goals.

Conte’s outburst – which the club later insisted was aimed solely at Tottenham’s players and not the owners – could see him lose his job. 

It remains to be seen as to whether there is a plan in place to name a successor or if Ryan Mason will be named as an interim head coach. 

Harry Redknapp has admitted that he would be interested in returning to Spurs at the age of 76

Antonio Conte launched a scathing rant at his players following their draw with Southampton

Antonio Conte launched a scathing rant at his players following their draw with Southampton

The former Spurs midfielder took charge of the 2021 Carabao Cup final, where his side fell to defeat to Man City, but he could return to the helm if Conte is dismissed.

However, in a surprise admission, former Spurs boss Redknapp has now thrown his hat in the ring and stated that he would be interested in a return to his former club.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Redknapp said: ‘If someone asks you, I think it would be hard to say no, I’ll be truthful. When you love it, you do find it hard to say no.’

The 76-year-old said he has not been in contact with Levy over a potential return. ‘No, definitely not, that has not happened,’ he added.

‘But you look at what you’re doing now, sitting around, having a game of golf, and it’s not the money, it’s the challenge, you love it, the buzz of it, winning a game is a fantastic feeling. It’s hard to say no.’

He revealed he’d ‘love’ to return in a role alongside Mason as Redknapp believes he could aid the 31-year-old until the end of the season.

‘Yeah of course, I would love that,’ he continued. ‘With a young manager I often think that they don’t use older figures, but I think there is room for older people to go in with them and work with a young manager, even if it was only for a couple of days a week just to be around. 

‘They can bounce ideas off you – I think that’s important. It’s a lonely job and you need all the help you can get.’ 

The former Portsmouth boss spent a successful four years with Tottenham between 2008 and 2012, recording 98 wins in 198 matches in London. He also guided Spurs to the Champions League.

Redknapp’s last role in football came at Birmingham City, where he lasted just 13 games before announcing his retirement from management after 34 years in the dugout.

Since then, Redknapp admitted that he would be interested in a return to Premier League management when Leeds United dismissed Jesse Marsch last month, and would now be keen on a second spell at Spurs. 

Reports have suggested Ryan Mason could be given the Spurs job temporarily if Conte is sacked

Reports have suggested Ryan Mason could be given the Spurs job temporarily if Conte is sacked

Redknapp retired from football management after a spell with Jordan and Birmingham City

Redknapp retired from football management after a spell with Jordan and Birmingham City

James Ward-Prowse scored a late leveller as Saints fought back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3, sparking Conte's furious rant

James Ward-Prowse scored a late leveller as Saints fought back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3, sparking Conte’s furious rant

Conte’s furious rant sparked calls for him to be sacked and claims that he had deliberately spoken out in the hope of being axed.

‘The problem is that for another time we showed we are not a team,’ he said. ‘We are 11 players that go onto the pitch and I see selfish players, players that don’t want to help each other, don’t show heart.

‘When you are not a team anything can happen. Don’t forget, we lost in FA Cup to Sheffield United who played with young players.

‘Until now, I try to hide the situation but there are 10 games to go and some people think we can fight. Fight for what? With this spirit, this attitude, this commitment? What? For seventh, eighth, 10th place?’ 

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