According to a new report, Cristian Stellini has been axed from Tottenham after less than a month in charge following Sunday’s 6-1 humiliation by Newcastle at St. James’ Park.
“Sunday’s performance against Newcastle was wholly unacceptable. It was devastating to see. We can look at many reasons why it happened and whilst myself, the Board, the coaches and players must all take collective responsibility, ultimately the responsibility is mine,” a statement from Spurs chairman Daniel Levy read.
“Cristian will leave his current role along with his coaching staff. Cristian stepped in at a difficult point in our season and I want to thank him for the professional manner in which he and his coaching staff have conducted themselves during such a challenging time. We wish him and his staff well.”
“Ryan Mason will take over Head Coach duties with immediate effect,” he confirmed. “Ryan knows the club and the players well. We shall update further on his coaching staff in due course.”
The club had no option but to sever ties with the Italian after the unexpected 6-1 hammering by Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday. Stellini took over on an interim basis on March 26 after Antonio Conte was sacked but has now followed his compatriot out of the door.
The loss puts a strain on Spurs’ chances of qualifying for the Champions League in the upcoming season. Despite having played two more games than Manchester United, Tottenham is currently fourth in the league, four points behind them.
Conte departed the team amicably on March 26, 2023, after Tottenham Hotspur’s 3-3 draw with Southampton, his outburst in the post-match press conference, and eliminations from the Champions League and FA Cup.
Daniel Levy named Stellini, who had previously served as Conte’s assistant, as acting head coach until the end of the current campaign. Stellini’s assistant was Ryan Mason.
On April 3, his team drew 1-1 with Everton in his first game in the interim head coach role after giving up a late goal. On April 15, Tottenham fell 3-2 to Bournemouth after giving up another late goal.
Tottenham’s attempt to finish in the top four in order to play in the Champions League the following season was damaged on April 23 when they lost 6-1 to Newcastle after falling behind 5-0 in the first twenty-one minutes.
Who is Cristian Stellini?
Cristian Stellini is an Italian football coach and former player. He was most recently the acting head coach at Tottenham Hotspur, having been appointed after the departure of Antonio Conte in March 2023.
Before joining Ternana of Serie C2 in October 1996, Stellini played for Novara (Serie C2) and Spal (Serie C1). In the summer of 1998, he twice gained the squad promotion to Serie B. He joined Como of Serie C1 in the summer of 2000, and after winning more promotions, he made it to Serie A in 2002. He faced Empoli F.C. on September 14, 2002, on his Serie A debut.
