Spurs bid farewell to Conte in wake of scathing dig at players

Antonio Conte has left Tottenham by mutual consent in the wake of his stinging blast at the club's "selfish" players.

Spurs have confirmed Cristian Stellini will take charge for the rest of the season, with Ryan Mason working alongside him as assistant head coach.

Chairman Daniel Levy said: "We have 10 Premier League games remaining and we have a fight on our hands for a Champions League place. We all need to pull together. 

"Everyone has to step up to ensure the highest possible finish for our club and amazing, loyal supporters."

An official statement added: "We achieved Champions League qualification in Antonio's first season. 

"We thank Antonio for his contribution and wish him well for the future."

Spurs crashed out of the Champions League and FA Cup in the space of a week earlier this month and dropped more points in the race for fourth place at Southampton before the international break.

After finding themselves 3-1 up at St Mary's with 13 minutes to go, they conceded twice to leave with just a point, sparking Conte's post-match rant. 

The fiery coach pointed the finger at the players and the club's hierarchy, stating that nothing would change even if he was sacked. 

He said: "We are not a team. We are 11 players that go on the pitch. I see selfish players, players that don't want to help each other and don't put their heart.

"Until now I try to hide the situation but not any more.

"Here's always the same, every season. The club has the responsibility for the transfer market, the coach has responsibility. But the players, where are the players?

"They are used to it here at Tottenham. They don't play for something important. They don't want to play under pressure, under stress. It is easy in this way.

"Tottenham's story is this for 20 years. There's the owner but they never won something."

A Premier League and FA Cup winner with Chelsea, 53-year-old Conte had been coy about his future and previously hinted he would like to return to Italy to spend more time with his family.

Spurs are now likely to commence another rebuilding project with a new manager at the helm this summer. 

It remains to be seen who that may be but former boss Mauricio Pochettino and ex-Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann are among the favourites to take charge.