01 April 2023 , 06:23
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Cristian Stellini insists his relationship with Antonio Conte is "still the same" and they are "very close" - despite taking his job at Tottenham.
Stellini was appointed as Tottenham's acting head coach after chair Daniel Levy parted company with manager Conte during the international break. Stellini was Conte's assistant but has now got the chance to manage in the Premier League until the summer.
The caretaker's first game in charge since Conte's exit will be the trip to Goodison Park to face Everton on Monday. Stellini, who will be assisted by Ryan Mason, addressed concerns of a rift between him and Conte during his pre-match press conference on Friday.
"I want to clarify that the decision was taken for the best of the club and for everyone," Stellini told reporters. "Antonio is good.
"Everyone took the decision altogether for the best of the club. My relationship with Antonio is still the same, very close and nothing changed between us. I have to say thank you because I have improved a lot in my career under him and it's because of him. I do the best for him before and I do the best for him until the end of the season."
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Former Chelsea, Juventus and Inter Milan boss Conte was appointed by Tottenham in November 2021 and dragged the club from eighth to fourth during his first season in charge. That brought renewed confidence to Spurs, but that quickly faded.
Cristian Stellini will manage Tottenham until the end of the season (PA)What did you make of Tottenham's decision to part company with Antonio Conte? Let us know in the comments below!
Conte's Tottenham struggled to keep up with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, while defeats in the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup ensured their trophy drought would extend into a 15th year.
It has also been a tough season off the field. Tottenham were devastated by the loss of first-team coach Gian Piero Ventrone, who died in October. Conte lost another close friend in January, when legendary Chelsea striker Gianluca Vialli passed away. Conte was then forced to take an extended break after undergoing gallbladder surgery.
Stellini added, "I spoke with Antonio. The club and Antonio spoke to each other. They take the decision together and they let me know. I was aware of it. They call me and say the decision is taken and if you agree with us, you can do it. I had no problem to say yes."
Spurs faced more bad news on Wednesday, when Fabio Paratici's 30-month ban from football activity was applied worldwide. Paratici was initially punished by the Italian FA, but FIFA's move has forced the Tottenham's director of football to step down from his role.
Stellini claimed, "No, not a club in crisis, absolutely not because everyone take the decision for the best and when you take the decision for the best you are not in crisis.
"If you have some matters, we have to stay compact and we have to stick together to move on and play the matches."