Tottenham Hotspur Football Club has relieved Cristian Stellini of his duties as acting head coach and has appointed Ryan Mason as his replacement in the aftermath of a crushing 6-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday.
Stellini, who had taken charge on an interim basis following the departure of Antonio Conte last month, was unable to galvanize Spurs’ stuttering bid to secure a Champions League spot.
The match against Newcastle proved to be a nightmare for the North London club as they found themselves 5-0 down within the first 21 minutes, marking the second-fastest time a side has ever gone five goals down in a Premier League fixture.
This result represents Spurs’ first five-goal defeat in the Premier League since they lost 5-0 to Liverpool in December 2013, and now leaves them six points adrift of third-placed Newcastle, having played a game more.
Chairman Daniel Levy had hoped that Stellini would be able to guide the team to a string of victories, but with just one win in four games since Conte’s departure, he has decided to make his second coaching change in less than a month.
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Levy will be hoping that Ryan Mason can inspire Spurs to regain their winning ways and secure a top-four finish in the Premier League.
In an update posted on the club’s website, Levy wrote: “Sunday’s performance against Newcastle was wholly unacceptable. It was devastating to see.
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“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.
“Ryan Mason will take over head coach duties with immediate effect. Ryan knows the club and the players well. We shall update further on his coaching staff in due course.
“I met with the player 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.”
Mason previously led Spurs on an interim basis following Jose Mourinho’s exit in 2021, overseeing a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the EFL Cup final.
His second stint in charge will begin against Manchester United on Thursday, with the Red Devils entering that game six points clear of Spurs with two games in hand.
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