Cristian Stellini insists he is comfortable shouldering the responsibility as Tottenham’s stand-in manager while Antonio Conte recovers from his gallbladder removal surgery in Italy.
Conte stayed in Italy for a period of recuperation after Spurs’ 1-0 defeat to Milan on Wednesday, having previously defied doctors’ orders to rest by returning to the dugout for the heavy 4-1 defeat at Leicester last weekend.
Stellini had previously stepped up from his assistant manager role — overseeing the side’s statement 1-0 win over Manchester City a fortnight ago. Now, the Italian has stressed the quality of the squad has ensured he has not suffered sleepless nights during his stint as Tottenham’s go-to man.
“It’s a big responsibility and I feel this,” the 48-year-old admitted. “But it is not the first that I am here. And it is not the first day that I take responsibility. I feel we are capable to win every game and to progress in the Champions League, to progress in the FA Cup.
“I think we can do it. I sleep well because I have the team and I follow the team every game. This gives me the feeling to be confident.”
Stellini earlier revealed that while in Italy, Conte calls him three times a day to help coach the team and stay in the loop.
“My phone is on 24 hours a day,” Stellini said. “He can call me when he wants. Also during the night. I will answer and talk with him about football and about our team in every moment. When we have an idea, we have a chat together. Always about football.”
