Mauricio Pochettino returns from holiday as Conte leaves Tottenham to send fans into frenzy

Mauricio Pochettino jetted home from his family holiday in Japan late on Sunday night – shortly before Antonio Conte’s turbulent reign as Tottenham manager came to an end.

Spurs finally announced Conte’s departure at around 10:30pm on Sunday, confirming he had left the club by mutual consent one week on from his extraordinary outburst following their 3-3 draw at Southampton.

After watching his team throw away a two-goal lead in that game, the Italian unleashed a furious verbal attack on his players, questioning their attitude and ability to cope under pressure, while even appearing to take aim at chairman Daniel Levy.

Sportsmail revealed on Tuesday that Levy was preparing to give Conte the boot in the wake of his rant, and five days later his exit was finally confirmed.

Hours before his former club parted company with Conte, Pochettino revealed he was about to fly ‘back home’ from Japan after spending time on holiday in the Asian country with his family.

Conte left Spurs by mutual consent one week on from his extraordinary attack on the club

Tottenham fans are convinced Pochettino (pictured with owner Daniel Levy) could be set for a second spell in charge of the club

The Argentine, who spent five successful years in charge of Tottenham before being sacked in 2019, shared a photo on Instagram that shows him and wife Karina on a plane as they prepared to return from their holiday.

And while their end destination remains unclear – with Pochettino and his family understood to own properties in London and Barcelona – the post has left some Spurs fans convinced that he is heading back for a second spell as manager.

One supporter wrote on Twitter: ‘I’m staying calm but also telling myself Pochettino was in Japan for a…