English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur parted ways with their second coach this spring.
As shared by ESPN and other outlets, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy confirmed in a released statement that Cristian Stellini has been fired as the club’s interim boss. Assistant and former player Ryan Mason is taking over as Tottenham’s new temporary head coach.
Mason held that same role in spring 2021 following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho. According to Sky Sports News, Mason won four of his seven games in charge two years ago and now takes over after Tottenham were thrashed by Newcastle United 6-1 on Sunday.
Stellini initially became interim coach after Antonio Conte officially left the club “by mutual agreement” on March 26.
“Sunday’s performance against Newcastle was wholly unacceptable,” Levy said in the statement. “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.”
The loss left fifth-place Tottenham trailing both fourth-place Manchester United and third-place Newcastle by six points in the battle for fourth and a berth in next season’s UEFA Champions League competition. Newcastle have a game in hand, while Manchester United have two.
Tottenham play Manchester United Thursday in what could be an ugly home game if the hosts produce another no-show after they trailed 5-0 within 21 minutes during Sunday’s matchup.
“I met with the Player Committee today — the squad is determined to pull together to ensure the strongest possible finish to the season,” Levy continued. “We are all clear we need to deliver performances which earn your amazing support.”
Per Reuters (h/t ESPN), Tottenham captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris called Sunday’s blowout defeat “very embarrassing” and said he and his teammates “should apologize to the fans.” Lloris now must help Mason prepare the squad for what are essentially six “must-win” games to close a campaign many supporters would prefer to forget as quickly as possible.
