The Athletic journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke has given an insight into whether Cristian Stellini or Antonio Conte has been running the ship at Tottenham Hotspur behind-the-scenes.
The former Chelsea boss’ right-hand man has been credited in recent weeks for taking over from the decorated manager and steering the side to a recent streak of wins under his tutelage. While Spurs suffered a shambolic 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United in the FA Cup, things have largely been rather rosy under his guidance.
Considering Antonio Conte, who is recovering from a health problem took the reins during losses against AC Milan and Leicester City, many questioned whether Cristian Stellini was a vital reason why Tottenham were getting wins under their belt.
Now, this common query amongst fans and pundits alike has been clarified.
Journalist reveals whether Stellini or Conte has been taking the decisions at Tottenham lately
After all, Tim Sherwood recently said that Emerson Royal has looked like a different player under the Lilywhites assistant manager, while Stan Collymore claimed after their victory against Chelsea that clubs will be keen on his appointment.
However, on The Athletic Football podcast, Jack Pitt-Brooke has said that it is Antonio Conte and not Cristian Stellini who continues to call the shots at Tottenham behind-the-scenes.
“I think Stellini is basically on the phone all the time. Maybe immediately after the surgery, it was harder for him [Antonio Conte] to be that involved. But now, I think he speaks to Stellini constantly through the day.”
“Even late into the night, he gets feedback on every training session, he basically picks the team I think. Stellini will even speak to Conte at half-time so that Conte can tell him exactly what instructions to give the players in the 2nd half.”
“So, it’s not as if, even though Conte isn’t physically there, it’s not as if Stellini has total autonomy to run things himself. Conte is very much pulling the strings in the background.”
This comes as no surprise as it would be a sign that perhaps Tottenham are looking to move Antonio Conte on if Cristian Stellini was handed the power to call the shots.
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