Spurs in addition approved Conte’s number two, Stellini, to replace the Italian on an interim basis until the end of the season
By Kehinde Okeowo
North London club, Tottenham Hotspurs also known as Spurs have severed their relationship with Italian manager, Antonio Conte by mutual agreement after 17 months in charge.
Spurs opted to sack Conte after his outburst against the club and his players in the wake of last Saturday’s 3-3 collapse at Southampton.
The Lilywhites made their decision known on Sunday night, via a club statement that also spelt out the club’s plans for the remainder of the season.
The statement read: “We can announce that Head Coach Antonio Conte has left the Club by mutual agreement.
“We achieved Champions League qualification in Antonio’s first season at the Club. We thank Antonio for his contribution and wish him well for the future.”
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Spurs, in addition, said Conte’s number two, Cristian Stellini, will replace him in an interim capacity until the end of the season, while Ryan Mason will act as his assistant.
“Cristian Stellini will take the team as Acting Head Coach for the remainder of the season, along with Ryan Mason as Assistant Head Coach.” the statement further read.
However, Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy while giving his parting message, focused on the club’s Premier League run-in and failed to acknowledge Conte.
“We have 10 Premier League games remaining, and we have a fight on our hands for a Champions League place. We all need to pull together,” Levy wrote.
“Everyone has to step up to ensure the highest possible finish for our Club and amazing, loyal supporters.”
Conte replaced Nuno Espirito Santo at Spurs midway through last season and guided them to a top-four finish, leapfrogging arch-rivals, Arsenal to a Champions League spot in the process.
But he has not been able to replicate the same form in the second season of his two-year contract, with Spurs set to enter the 15th year of their trophy drought.
Spurs are currently two points ahead of Newcastle United in fourth but have played two more games. They are also being chased down by Brighton and Liverpool.