Spurs sack temporary boss after four games

Tottenham Hotspur have sacked interim head coach Cristian Stellini following Sunday’s “wholly unacceptable” performance against Newcastle, which the London side lost 6-1.

Stellini took over after fellow Italian Antonio Conte left by “mutual agreement” less than a month ago. He had been Conte’s assistant at the club.

He has lost his job after Spurs let in five goals in the opening 21 minutes on Sunday.

Former Tottenham player Ryan Mason has become interim head coach for the second time after Stellini’s departure.

Spurs are now outsiders in the race for a top-four Champions League place in the Premier League and sit six points adrift of Manchester United – who they play on Thursday – despite playing two more games than the Red Devils.

Announcing Stellini’s sacking, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said in 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.

“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, 48, was in his first full managerial role at Spurs. He has mostly worked as Conte’s assistant in Italy since becoming a coach.

But Spurs could manage only one win in his four games in charge – a 2-1 victory over Brighton.

They drew away to relegation-threatened Everton and were beaten by a late Bournemouth goal last weekend.

Levy said Mason, 31, would take over head coach duties with immediate effect.

“Ryan knows the club and the players well,” he said.

“I met with the player committee today – the squad is determined to pull together to ensure the strongest possible finish to the season.

“We are all clear we need to deliver performances which earn your amazing support.”

Stellini had been part of Conte’s backroom staff at Tottenham and stepped into the top job on a temporary basis. The plan had been for him to stay in place until the end of the season when Spurs would appoint a new permanent boss.

In his final game on Sunday, Newcastle ran riot and subjected Spurs to a humiliation at St James’ Park.

New interim boss Mason, 31, previously took over when Jose Mourinho was sacked in 2021, winning four of his seven games at the helm, which included a 1-0 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

He became the youngest manager in Premier League history and has once again been tasked with steadying the ship as Spurs try to salvage something from their season.

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