Tottenham squad’s view on Cristian Stellini as Italian replaces Conte

Head coach Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham by mutual consent

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Antonio Conte’s assistant Cristian Stellini was confirmed to take charge of Tottenham for the remainder of the season after the club announced that they would be parting ways with Conte. After an explosive rant when he criticised the team following the 3-3 draw away to Southampton, the Italian’s future was finally decided as Spurs released a statement late on Sunday evening.

The statement read: “We can announce that Head Coach Antonio Conte has left the Club by mutual agreement. We achieved Champions League qualification in Antonio’s first season at the Club.

“We thank Antonio for his contribution and wish him well for the future. Cristian Stellini will take the team as Acting Head Coach for the remainder of the season, along with Ryan Mason as Assistant Head Coach.”

Chairman Daniel Levy added: “We have 10 Premier League games remaining and we have a fight on our hands for a Champions League place. We all need to pull together. Everyone has to step up to ensure the highest possible finish for our Club and amazing, loyal supporters.”

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The squad’s reaction will be interesting, as it was well-documented that Conte was on his way out but his number two was not expected to stay on. Football London claim that Stellini is popular with the squad, though it was a surprise that he stayed on considering his close relationship with Conte. However, the outgoing boss may have given his blessing to Stellini because it was a mutual parting of ways.

Stellini will also have Ryan Mason by his side to aid him in the final 10 games of the season, who also has managerial experience having stepped in as interim boss when Jose Mourinho was sacked. Mason took charge of a Carabao Cup final, suffering defeat to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, but will hope to use that learning curve and steer Spurs to a top-four finish.

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The duo could even throw their hat into the ring for the permanent position if they secure Champions League football, having already won over the squad, though Stellini and Mason will likely have competition from the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Julian Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique and others to land the gig beyond this current season.

Stellini does have some experience in the top job, having deputised for Conte when the head coach was out of action after he had surgery to remove his gallbladder.

He has been the main man in the dugout on three occasions in the Premier League so far this campaign, maintaining a perfect record following victories over Manchester City, West Ham and Chelsea, though they did crash out of the FA Cup to Sheffield United.

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