Tottenham consider Mason with Stellini’s job ‘in serious doubt’ after Newcastle humiliation
Ryan Mason could be set for another stint as Tottenham interim manager with Daniel Levy reportedly considering Cristian Stellini’s position at the club.
Stellini was former head coach Antonio Conte’s right-hand-man before the outspoken Italian was sacked in March.
The decision to employ Conte’s assistant until the end of the season was a confusing one and it has not worked out thus far.
Sunday’s embarrassing 6-1 defeat at Newcastle United could already be the final straw for the Tottenham hierarchy.
Multiple reports on Monday state that Stellini is under an immense amount of pressure ahead of his side’s crucial clashes against Manchester United and Liverpool this week.
Levy is now ‘considering’ dismissing the Italian with assistant Mason the ‘obvious choice’ to take charge until the end of the campaign.
Either that, or a permanent manager will be appointed.
Mason previously took caretaker charge of the north Londoners in April 2021 following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.
He oversaw seven games, including the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
Stellini has ‘already lost the confidence’ of the Spurs players after four games in the dugout, the report states.
The majority of Conte’s backroom staff remained at the club and the players were apparently ‘surprised’ to see Stellini given the job over Mason.
Unsurprisingly, Mason is ‘open’ to taking on the role until the end of 2022-23.
Reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Stellini’s job is under threat.
The ‘final decision’ comes down to Levy and Mason is ‘the favourite candidate’ should Stellini be sacked, Romano stated on Monday.
Former manager Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a return to The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, though he is reportedly close to joining London rivals Chelsea.
Other names in the mix are ex-Spain coach Luis Enrique, Feyenoord’s Arne Slot, Burnley’s Vincent Kompany and Julian Nagelsmann – who was recently sacked by Bayern Munich.
Both Enrique and Nagelsmann quickly emerged as the favourites to take over at Chelsea and there was a belief at one point it would be one or the other.
However, neither are in the running after pulling out of the race last week, giving Pochettino a free run at the job.
The only reason Pochettino would choose a return to Spurs over the Chelsea job would be blind loyalty. Both clubs are in disarray but he would be given a bigger transfer budget, a better squad and more chance of winning trophies at Stamford Bridge.
Harry Kane’s uncertain future at Spurs is likely to be playing a part in the club’s search for a new manager. It would be surprising to see a genuine elite manager take on the job if the 29-year-old striker’s future is not guaranteed.
Kane is out of contract next summer and is being linked with a move to Bayern Munich and Manchester United this summer.
Despite a difficult season for Spurs, the England captain is enjoying a brilliant campaign from a personal standpoint, scoring 24 goals in 32 Premier League appearances.
READ MORE: Premier League sack race: Could Stellini pay the price for Newcastle humiliation?