Tottenham Hotspur fires Antonio Conte with Cristian Stellini set to take over as manager until the end of the season
Tottenham has finally fired Antonio Conte and the majority of his backroom staff, and Cristian Stellini has been appointed temporary manager until the end of the current campaign.
Spurs are presently in fourth position in the Premier League table this season despite having played two more games than many of their rivals. The Italian coach led Spurs to a top-four finish last season.
They had a chance to finish third but blew a two-goal advantage against Southampton, who were at the bottom of the standings, leading to Conte’s enraged postgame tirade.
The former Chelsea and Inter boss criticized his players, calling them “selfish” and lacking in grit, while also appearing to criticize the club’s culture after failing to win a trophy for the previous 15 years.
Although Conte made a reference to “the chairman” in his outburst, it is thought that he made it clear to Daniel Levy and the board that his remarks were only directed at the players. Despite this, it did not prevent him from being fired.
The club confirmed in a statement: “We can report that Head Coach Antonio Conte has departed the Club by mutual consent. In Antonio’s first year with the club, we qualified for the Champions League. We appreciate Antonio’s work and send him our best wishes for the future.
“Ryan Mason will serve as Assistant Head Coach and Cristian Stellini will take over the team as Acting Head Coach for the remainder of the season.”
Daniel Levy, the club’s chairman, continued, “We have a fight on our hands for a Champions League place. We have 10 Premier League games left.” We must all work together. To guarantee the best outcome for our Club and amazing, devoted supporters, everyone must step up.
There are rumors that Conte’s remarks following the loss infuriated some members of the Tottenham team, and there are increasing doubts about the team’s playing strategy both in the locker room and among fans.
The free-flowing football Spurs are known for — and supporters demand — is at odds with Conte’s reactive, counter-attacking tactics, and meek Cup exits at the hands of Sheffield United and AC Milan only made matters worse.
Mason, on the other hand, previously took over as manager of Spurs in April 2021 after Jose Mourinho was fired on the eve of the Carabao Cup final; despite losing to Manchester City at Wembley, Mason did oversee four victories from his six Premier League matches in command.
The 31-year-old went through the same academy as Harry Kane and is well-liked by the team. He was forced to retire from football five years ago after suffering a severe head injury.
With Spurs still vying for a top-four finish, he will have 10 games to manage this time around. His first game in command will be an away game against Everton at Goodison Park on Monday, April 3, followed by a game at home against Brighton the following week.
