Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy Convened Meeting with Four Players to Discuss Cristian Stellini's Dismissal

According to reports, Daniel Levy consulted several senior players at Tottenham before making the decision to dismiss Cristian Stellini from his position as interim manager.

Interim manager Stellini had been promoted from assistant to head coach following the high-profile sacking of Antonio Conte in March. The dismissal of the Italian came after he branded his players as “selfish” and not wanting “to help each other and don’t put their heart [in the game].”

Initially, the plan was for Stellini to continue as caretaker until the conclusion of the Premier League season. 

Nonetheless, Stellini's tenure only lasted four games, including a humiliating 6-1 defeat for Spurs against Newcastle United.

Levy took full responsibility for the humiliating defeat and deemed it as entirely unacceptable.

In a statement, he wrote: “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."

Following the defeat, he made the decision to relieve Stellini of his duties. In his message to Tottenham Hotspur supporters, he stated that "Cristian and his coaching staff will be departing from their current roles".

“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 has been appointed as his successor and will assume the role of Tottenham's interim manager for the remainder of the season. This is reminiscent of his previous stint where he filled in after José Mourinho's dismissal in 2021.

Regarding Mason’s return to the dugout, Levy said in a statement: “Ryan Mason will take over head coach duties with immediate effect. Ryan knows the club and players well. We shall update further on his coaching staff in due course.”

“I met with the players’ committee today - the squad is determined to pull together to ensure the strongest possible finish to the season.”

According to reports, Levy sought the counsel of four senior players, including Eric Dier, Harry Kane, Hugo Lloris, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, before making the decision to replace Stellini. 

This was after he conducted an inquiry into the Newcastle defeat. The Sun reported on this matter.

Levy is said to have acted promptly after seeking the advice of the senior players, and made the decision to replace Stellini with Mason.

 As Mason takes charge, he faces a daunting task with his first game against Manchester United, a top-four rival, followed by a crucial match against Liverpool.

 These games will play a significant role in determining their qualification for next season's Champions League.