Conte to earn manager of the month nod after Spurs wins under Stellini
Antonio Conte is bizarrely ‘set to be named on the Premier League’s manager of the month shortlist’ – despite taking charge of one match – after Spurs won three games under No 2 Cristian Stellini while he recovered from surgery
- Antonio Conte’s sole match in the dugout was Tottenham’s 4-1 loss to Leicester
- Assistant Cristian Stellini oversaw wins over Man City, West Ham and Chelsea
- Stellini said Conte was involved in all decisions despite recovering from surgery
Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte is expected to be included among the nominees for the Premier League’s manager of the month award, despite only overseeing one match from the dugout.
Conte underwent surgery to remove his gallbladder at the start of the month, with his assistant Cristian Stellini taking charge of Tottenham’s 1-0 win over champions Manchester City.
The head coach returned to the dugout as Spurs suffered a 4-1 defeat to Leicester.
Conte had a setback in his recovery from the operation, with his surgeon advising him to step away from work to focus on his recovery.
The 53-year-old admitted he had ‘underestimated’ the procedure.
Antonio Conte is expected to be a nominee to be the Premier League’s manager of the month
Conte’s assistant Cristian Stellini has led Tottenham to three wins as he recovers from surgery
Conte’s sole Premier League match in the dugout in February was Spurs 4-1 defeat to Leicester
His absence led to Stellini overseeing the first team again for Tottenham’s 2-0 win over West Ham, before overcoming Chelsea by the same scoreline on Sunday.
According to the Evening Standard, the Premier League is still expected to name Conte on the five-manager shortlist this week.
Conte has remained in close contact with Stellini throughout Tottenham’s preparations for matches, with the head coach watching each training session.
Stellini has said Conte has been ‘involved in every situation and every decision.’
Conte would reportedly share the award with Stellini should he be announced as the winner.
The Tottenham head coach had previously become the first manager to win the award in three consecutive months back in 2017 when he was in charge of Chelsea.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has since won the award in four consecutive months.
Tottenham are currently joint top of the Premier League’s form table for February after taking nine points from the month.
Manchester United have matched the points total, with Erik ten Hag’s side having won all three of their Premier League matches.
Tottenham have won three of their four matches in February to rise to fourth in the table
Spurs ended the month by earning a 2-0 win over Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Stellini has said he expects Conte to return to the club this week as his recovery continues
Marco Silva’s Fulham have also ended the month unbeaten, recording two wins and two draws this month.
The three wins this month have seen Spurs move four points clear of fifth-place Newcastle, who have to games in hand as both clubs battle for Champions League football next season.
Speaking after the win over Chelsea, Stellini said he expects Conte to return this week.
Stellini will remain in charge as Tottenham face Sheffield United in the FA Cup on Wednesday.
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