A matter of months after trying and failing to tempt him to North London, Tottenham look to be on the verge of appointing Antonio Conte as their new boss.
The Premier League side dispensed with the services of Nuno Espirito Santo on Monday following a 3-0 loss to Manchester United, with the Italian jetting in for talks.
Though it's just over two years since Spurs were in the Champions League final, there's a real sense of malaise at their glittering new stadium.
Star striker Harry Kane has been accused of sulking after not getting his move to Manchester City in the summer, while Dele Alli looks a shadow of the player he was amid questions over his application in training.
It's a similar story across the pitch, with questions over players such as Tanguy Ndombele.
And if Spurs fans are looking for their players to be given a rocket up the backside, Conte is the perfect man for the job.
Throughout his managerial career the fiery coach has demanded the highest of standards from his players, with numerous examples to call upon.
Last season Conte guided Inter to a first Serie A title since 2010 but was in no mood at all to let his squad coast to the end of the campaign.
After Alexis Sanchez suffered an injury against Roma, he threw on Lautaro Martinez after 35 minutes of what was ostensibly a dead rubber game.
But the Argentine was hauled off again on 70 minutes as his manager was left furious with what he perceived as a lack of intensity.
Martinez kicked a water bottle in frustration and was subjected to a verbal volley. Bravely the youngster attempted to argue back, only for staff member Lele Oriali to step in and warn "you better shut up".
During his time as Chelsea manager, Conte explained his philosophy to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
The Italian explained: "I always talk about education and respect. I demand that. I give that, but I demand it.
"If someone doesn't have a good attitude during a training session, or good behaviour in different circumstances I prefer to kill him."
Even after a good performance Conte is not one for resting in his laurels, as he showed at Celtic Park back in 2012.
With his Juventus side leading 3-0 and 86 minutes on the clock Leonardo Bonucci misplaced a pass, only to be met with a scream of "I'll f*****g kill you!" from the bench.
And legendary midfielder Andrea Pirlo recalled in his book: "Even when we’re winning, Conte comes in and hurls (things) against the wall.
"His words assault you. They crash through the doors of your mind, often quite violently, and settle deep within you.”
Kane and Alli can be warned that if they fall short of the standard expected, they'll be swiftly leaving the pitch with a verbal volley ringing in their ears.
