‘It’s my understanding’ – Reporter explains what he’s heard about Ryan Mason behind the scenes at Spurs

On Sky Sports News (22/03/23 at 2:45 pm), reporter Jamie Weir claimed Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason was behind many of the big tactical decisions in Antonio Conte’s absence, and suggested he could be a good temporary replacement for the Italian if needed.

Conte and Tottenham have had a difficult season, to say the least. Results and performances have been frustratingly inconsistent and the club will now end the campaign without a trophy once again.

Cristian Stellini Ryan Mason
(Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Off the pitch, Conte has seen three of his close friends pass away and has also suffered a severe health issue himself.

The 53-year-old underwent surgery to remove his gallbladder at the start of February and missed around a month of action at Spurs.

Assistant manager Cristian Stellini took over first-team duties during that time, with help from Mason.

Interestingly, results did improve throughout that period, too, with big wins over Manchester City, West Ham, and Chelsea.

Now, with Conte reportedly about to lose his job this week, it appears Mason will become caretaker manager at Spurs until the end of the season (Telegraph).

Should that happen, the club would be in ‘safe hands’ according to Sky Sports’ Jamie Weir.

He said: “Ryan Mason is a bit more experienced than he was a couple of years ago.

“It’s my understanding that in Antonio Conte’s absence last month in Italy when he was recuperating after his surgery, a lot of the big tactical decisions came from Ryan Mason.

“That decision against Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur stadium, to have Eric Dier step into the midfield when Spurs were on the attack, it came from Ryan Mason.”

Clearly, Mason has developed well over the years, with Weird adding: “I have heard a number of coaches being effusive in their praise of just how promising of a prospect Ryan Mason is as a future manager.

“He has learnt from Antonio Conte. He has learnt from Jose Mourinho and other managers that have been at this club.

“It may well be that he is that safe pair of hands to see them through until the summer.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I am very much at peace with the idea of Mason leading us until the end of the season.

He will be calming presence who will unite the players and he’s clearly got a strong degree of tactical nous about him, too.

Sealing the top four spot will be tricky whoever is in charge, but at least there will be a sense of togetherness with Mason in charge.

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