After only four matches in charge, interim manager Cristian Stellini has been dismissed by Tottenham Hotspur.
The decision was made following Spurs’ humiliating 6-1 defeat at Newcastle, which club chairman Daniel Levy described as “wholly unacceptable”.
The defeat at Newcastle dealt a significant blow to Spurs’ hopes of securing Champions League qualification, particularly after being thrashed 5-0 within the first 21 minutes of the match.
Levy expressed his disappointment in a statement on Monday night, stating, “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.”
Stellini, 48, took on the interim role on 26 March following the end of Antonio Conte’s 16-month tenure as Spurs boss.
Ryan Mason, who previously worked under Stellini and took charge when Jose Mourinho was sacked in 2021, will succeed him.
“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,” Levy said.
Mason, 31, is understood to have significant support of Spurs' players to take the team until the end of the season.“Ryan Mason will take over head coach duties with immediate effect. Ryan knows the club and the players well. We shall update further on his coaching staff in due course,” Levy’s statement continued.
“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.”
