Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has left with immediate effect, the north London club announced on Sunday night.
Conte’s position had been under serious scrutiny following his extraordinary rant last weekend, when he called his players ‘selfish’ and also hit out at the club’s hierarchy following a period of 20 years in which the club has won only one trophy.
That was after Spurs had left a 3-1 lead slip at bottom club Southampton and his comments proved to be the last straw as his exit was announced on Sunday.
“We can announce that Head Coach Antonio Conte has left the Club by mutual agreement,” Tottenham said on their website late on Sunday.
“We achieved Champions League qualification in Antonio’s first season at the Club. We thank Antonio for his contribution and wish him well for the future.”
Spurs revealed that assistant coach Stellini will take over on an interim basis, assisted by Ryan Mason.
“Cristian Stellini will take the team as Acting Head Coach for the remainder of the season, along with Ryan Mason as Assistant Head Coach,” they said.
And there was also a message from chairman Daniel Levy, who called for unity.
“We have 10 Premier League games remaining and we have a fight on our hands for a Champions League place,” he said.
“We all need to pull together. Everyone has to step up to ensure the highest possible finish for our Club and amazing, loyal supporters.”