Cristian Stellini has reacted to his name being omitted from the Manager of the Month vote in the Premier League, despite recording three wins from three.
Stellini had a 100 per cent Premier League record when he has deputised for Conte last month but the FA Cup fifth-round defeat against Sheffield United is expected to be the final one that the 48-year-old will oversee, with the Spurs head coach to return to Hotspur Way this week (DailyMail).
The Evening Standard reported on Tuesday that despite Stellini overseeing proceedings for all but one Premier League game in February, it is Conte’s name that is likely to be shortlisted for the Manager of the Month award.
The only match the Conte physically took charge of was the 4-1 defeat to Leicester City in February.
When that was put to Stellini, he told Football.London: “Antonio was still with us so if this happens, I am happy for him.
“I think this could be a great opportunity to be proud of all of the staff, not only me. We work like a team very close and very excited to work together. I think it would be a good result for all the staff.”
When asked how Conte has found the whole experience of watching from afar, Stellini responded: “Sometimes stressful, sometimes enjoyable. If we win you can enjoy all together. He has recovered well but in this period he has to think about his health and feeling better.”
When asked how often the 53-year-old calls, he said: “A lot, as normal with Ryan and Gianluca as well, to organise everything and have everything under control.”
Tottenham’s assistant first-team coach also remarked that the players and the staff at Hotspur Way miss having Conte with them on a regular basis, given the issues with connecting virtually.
“Absolutely [you can feel he has missed being there]. It happened after the last game that we had a call with the team but the connection was not perfect and Antonio was really disappointed for that. The day after we tried to do it again and it was good, and his energy was much more so you can feel it.”
Spurs Web Opinion
We know how passionate Conte is about his job and how much each result means to the 53-year-old.
So, there is no doubt that the team’s performances and results would have aided him in overcoming the physical challenges he has faced over the last few weeks, and how much last night would have angered him too.
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