Spurs sack interim manager Stellini

Interim manager Cristian Stellini has been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur after four matches in charge.

The decision comes a day after Spurs were thrashed 6-1 at Newcastle – a performance chairman Daniel Levy has described as “wholly unacceptable”.

Stellini, 48, was appointed on 26 March after Antonio Conte’s 16-month spell as Spurs boss came to an end.

Ryan Mason, who worked under Stellini and took charge when Jose Mourinho was sacked in 2021, succeeds him.

Sunday’s defeat at Newcastle, where they trailed 5-0 after 21 minutes, was a significant blow to Spurs’ hopes of securing Champions League qualification.

“It was devastating to see,” added Levy.

“We can look at many reasons why it happened and while myself, the board, the coaches and players must all take collective responsibility, ultimately the responsibility is mine.”

Tottenham are fifth in the Premier League table, six points behind both Newcastle in third and Manchester United in fourth.

Both teams have played fewer games than Spurs, who host Erik ten Hag’s side on Thursday.

Spurs played four matches – winning one, drawing one and losing two – under Stellini, who acted as Conte’s assistant during his time as manager.

“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,” said Levy.

Former Spurs and England midfielder Mason, 31, returns to the helm for the final six games of the season.

“Ryan knows the club and the players well,” added Levy.