Cristian Stellini sacked as Spurs’ acting head coach with Ryan Mason taking over

Tottenham have sacked acting head coach Cristian Stellini after less than a month in charge as chairman Daniel Levy labelled Sunday’s thrashing at Newcastle as “wholly unacceptable”.

The 48-year-old was part of Antonio Conte’s backroom staff at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and stepped into the top job on a temporary basis when his fellow Italian was sacked last month.

He lasted just four games, however, with Ryan Mason once again appointed his successor on a temporary basis after a 6-1 loss at Newcastle ended Stellini’s short reign.

Club update from Daniel

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 24, 2023

Spurs are now outsiders in the race for a Champions League place and sit six points adrift of Manchester United, who they host on Thursday night, having played two more games.

Stellini, in his first managerial role, had overseen just one win in his four games in charge – a 2-1 victory over Brighton.

Spurs could only manage a draw away to relegation-threatened Everton and were beaten by a late Bournemouth goal last weekend before Sunday’s humiliation at St James’ Park.

The Magpies ran riot, racing into a five-goal lead inside 21 minutes, with Levy acting on Monday evening to remove Stellini from his post.

“Sunday’s performance against Newcastle was wholly unacceptable. It was devastating to see,” he said in a statement.

“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