Stellini insists he is not taking on a ‘vanity’ project at Spurs as he addresses Conte relationship

Joe Williams
Tottenham boss Cristian Stellini shouts at his players

Tottenham interim boss Cristian Stellini insists his relationship with Antonio Conte is “the same” and that he hasn’t taken the job for “vanity” reasons.

Spurs announced Conte had left the club by mutual agreement last Sunday with Stellini agreeing to take the team until the end of the season.

Conte called out his “selfish” players after Tottenham threw away a two-goal lead away to draw 3-3 against Southampton before the international break, while he also seemed to aim criticism at the Spurs board over the culture at the club.

When asked what Tottenham under Stellini will look like, the Spurs interim boss replied: “I want to create the same atmosphere we had in the game against Chelsea, West Ham, Man City, this is the type of game we want to play.

“I mentioned two derbies and the oppponent in a big game, but it shouldn’t matter who the opponent is. This is my expectation and what I spoke to the players about. I want to see players that move into the pitch with an idea and attack the space with desire.”

On Conte’s departure and him taking over, Stellini added: “I want to clarify that the decision was taken for the best of the club and for everyone. 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.”

When asked if this was the next step for him to become a manager, Stellini replied: “It’s the next step to work hard for the next 10 games. Nothing has to change in my mind. I’m not here for vanity. I’m here to help this club.”

On his role, Stellini continued: “I have to be myself. I used myself, my character. We will see what happens during the process. We’ve had not many days together. We had a good day in the training and we followed in training what we did in the past. In the past, I have to be honest, we’ve changed some things in the tactics.”

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