Cristian Stellini has been sacked as Tottenham's acting head coach with Ryan Mason taking over head coach responsibilities in wake of their 6-1 humiliation against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon. Heading to Tyneside for such an important game in their top-four battle, Spurs found themselves five goals down after only 21 minutes on the clock.
Their heavy defeat has resulted in chairman Daniel Levy dismissing Stellini, who had only taken charge at the end of March after Antonio Conte parted ways with the club.
A statement from Levy on the club's official website read: "Dear All, Sunday’s performance against Newcastle 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.
READ MORE: The Antonio Conte advice that Cristian Stellini ignored in Tottenham's heavy defeat vs Newcastle
"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.
"COYS, Daniel"
During his time in the hotseat, Stellini only tasted victory once in four games following a 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion. Only leaving Everton with one point after conceding a last-minute equaliser despite having a one-man advantage, Spurs also dropped crucial points against Premier League strugglers Bournemouth after again conceding at the death in a 3-2 defeat.
Speaking to the media in his post-match press conference at St James' Park on Sunday, Stellini was quizzed by football.london about his future in N17. He said: "This is a question… I have no answer for this because it is not a question for me."
Stellini's exit comes in such a crucial week for the football club with Manchester United and Liverpool on the calendar over the coming days. Currently fifth in the Premier League table with six games remaining, there is now the real possibility of Spurs missing out on European qualification altogether unless their results improve as Aston Villa, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion are breathing down their neck.
Following the games against Manchester United and Liverpool, Spurs finish the season with matches against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Brentford and Leeds United.
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