Antonio Conte's severe character is to be expected whether you like it or not says Christian Vieri

  /  autty

Antonio Conte's former Juventus and Italy teammate Christian Vieri has aimed a dig at the recently dismissed Tottenham coach due to his 'severe' and 'demanding' character.

Conte was relieved of his duties as Spurs manager on Sunday night after launching his now infamous verbal attack against his own players following the 3-3 draw at Southampton.

And, following the news, Vieri told press in Italy that he was not surprised to see his former team-mate leave Spurs and claimed the Italian coach is 'accustomed to clashing with everyone.'

'Antonio is accustomed to clashing with everyone, it’s his character,' Vieri told Italian outlet Corriere della Sera on Tuesday.

'If a club hires him, they should not expect someone who is happy with everything,' he continued. 'He's always on the edge, it's his way of being, whether you like it or not.

'You know what you're going to get. Every two years does he fight with everyone? Yes. Does He always leave with problems? Yes. You know he's demanding and serious.

'There are coaches like Conte and Mourinho who hammer at all hours, pile on the pressure and always demand the best. And then there are those who are fine with everything, they stay where they are.

'Everyone trains and sees football in their own way, and it doesn't mean that one coach is right and the other is wrong.'

The two former Italy internationals played together for Juventus during the 1996-1997 season as well as for the national team between 1997 and 2004.

The 53-year-old head coach was let go from his position as Tottenham head coach after less than 18 months in charge.

After managing to secure a top four finish in first season at the club, the Italian has struggled to get the best out of his Spurs side in this campaign.

At the time of his departure, Tottenham were clinging on to heir position in the Premier League top four, were knocked out of the FA Cup in humiliating fashion by Sheffield United and had been booted out of the Champions League at the Round of 16 by AC Milan.

Conte will be replaced by his former assistant Christian Stellini, who will be helped by Ryan Mason on an interim basis until the end of the season.

Related: Tottenham Hotspur Conte
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