FURIOUS Tottenham chief Daniel Levy sacked interim boss Cristian Stellini after a meeting with senior stars.
Chairman Levy slammed Sunday’s humiliating 6-1 Prem defeat at Newcastle as “wholly unacceptable” and “devastating” and replaced the Italian with his No 2 Ryan Mason.
Levy stormed into the dressing room at St James’ Park after Spurs had gone 5-0 down after 21 minutes, while angry fans have demanded REFUNDS.
Stellini only took over last month after Antonio Conte left following his extraordinary rant at his “selfish” players and “underachieving” club.
Levy wielded the axe after talking to players’ committee members, including skipper Hugo Lloris, Harry Kane, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Eric Dier.
Ex-Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann, out of the running for the permanent Chelsea manager’s job, is in the frame at Spurs.
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And Levy said: “Sunday’s performance 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.
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“Ryan Mason will take over head coach duties with immediate effect.
“Ryan knows the club and players well. We shall update further on his coaching staff in due course.
“I met with the players’ 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.”
Just 24 hours earlier, Stellini had apologised for the 6-1 thrashing and told the club’s official video channel: “We have to be responsible.”
Mason, 31, will take the reins for a second time having also acted as interim head coach in 2021 following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.
Levy will appoint further coaches to work alongside him. They could include Chris Powell, Yaya Toure and Jermain Defoe, who are all working at the club.
The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust declared on Monday night: “We pushed for a response from Spurs. It’s right the chairman has accepted responsibility and taken action after the awful events of yesterday.
“Fans still deserve a refund and we’ll continue to press for that.
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“All supporters will now want to get behind Ryan in his attempt to rescue our season.”
Tottenham’s next game is at home to Manchester United on Thursday but their recent poor form means they could miss out on a Champions League spot.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
