Tottenham Hotspur sacks interim manager Cristian Stellini after Newcastle rout

Tottenham Hotspur sacked its interim manager Cristian Stellini, following an embarrassing 1-6 loss to Newcastle United at St. James Park on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur interim manager Cristian Stellini had taken over the job after Antonio Conte was sacked. | Photo Credit: Reuters

Tottenham Hotspur sacked its interim manager Cristian Stellini, following an embarrassing 1-6 loss to Newcastle United at St. James Park on Sunday, the Premier League side confirmed through a statement.

“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,” Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said in a statemnt.

“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.”

Stellini had replaced fellow Italian Antonio Conte last month with Spurs still in fourth place. The defeat at St James’ Park leaves them six points behind Newcastle and Manchester United having played more games.

In Conte’s absence, Stellini guided Spurs to wins over Manchester City, West Ham United and Chelsea.

However, he was unable to recreate that success after replacing Conte, with Spurs winning only one game against Brighton & Hove Albion while Bournemouth snatched a last-gasp 3-2 away victory earlier this month.

Spurs next hosts Manchester United on Thursday.

Ryan Mason will take over Head Coach after the Italian’s departure. Mason had come to the team’s rescue after the exit of Jose Mourinho in 2021, making him the youngest-ever Premier League manager.

After being promoted as the First-team coach under Antonio Conte, he became the assistant coach when Conte left.

“Ryan knows the Club and the players well. We shall update further on his coaching staff in due course,” Levy added, “I met with the Player Committee today - the squad is determined to pull together to ensure the strongest possible finish to the season.”

(with inputs from Reuters)