Following the shock news of Antonio Conte’s illness (more on that here), assistant coach Cristian Stellini has took over the reigns of the Tottenham first team, as Conte recovers from his surgery.
Speaking to the press today, Stellini provided us with an update regarding Conte’s recovery (via Football London):
“We don’t know yet when Antonio is coming back. Everything is possible. The surgery was good, he is recovering well. At the moment he is at home, so we have two days for the game and everything can happen.”
Stellini, who clearly has a very close bond with Conte, opened up about the pair’s relationship (via Football London):
“I grow with Antonio like an assistant manager. I was a player with him so I know very well his mentality and what he wants from the team. The way we work linked with Antonio and also with Ryan Mason so everyone in the staff is ready to transfer to the players the idea of Antonio. For me it is easier maybe than some new assistants because I know him very well but Antonio sent me a message and he trusts in us completely. 100 per cent I trust in the staff and we are focused more than normal because we have to do what Antonio normal do but Antonio is happy about our job.”
Despite the sad news of Conte’s illness, things seem pretty optimistic among the Spurs faithful. That is mainly down to the fact that Spurs secured the signing of highly rated wing-back Pedro Porro on deadline day. Stellini spoke on the Spaniard’s arrival and whether he would be available for the Manchester City game (via Football London):
“Could be. He is young but he has great experience. He plays in a similar system we use to play and he is available. We can use him in two days. We have another training session. He can improve, he is a great player, technically he is a good player and we were impressed by his performance against us. We know very well him.”
Another player Spurs fans will hope to see against Manchester City, is Richarlison. That is because game time has been pretty limited for Richarlison since the forward picked up an hamstring injury at the World Cup – with the Brazilian only having played 45 minutes football since his return (via Transfermarkt).
Richarlison’s impact from the bench has been missed in the last month or so but thankfully for Spurs fans Stellini has provided a positive update regarding the striker’s fitness (via Football London):
“Like I said after the last game Richarlison had a small problem and now he is available. He has been training in this week and he is available.”
The only other injury currently plaguing Spurs at the moment, is Lucas Moura – who is still yet to feature this year. Stellini gave an update on Moura’s fitness (via Football London):
“We are happy to say that Lucas has been training this week. He played 45 minutes with the young team and is back.”