Report: Cristian Stellini set to receive Premier League snub

Despite being on the touchline for just one of Tottenham Hotspur’s top-flight matches in February, Antonio Conte is set to be nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Month award, The Evening Standard have revealed. After being taken ill with severe abdominal pain, Conte had an operation to remove his gallbladder at the end […]

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Despite being on the touchline for just one of Tottenham Hotspur’s top-flight matches in February, Antonio Conte is set to be nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Month award, The Evening Standard have revealed.

After being taken ill with severe abdominal pain, Conte had an operation to remove his gallbladder at the end of January. The Italian initially returned to Hotspur Way swiftly before realising that he had rushed back too soon and that he needed more time to recover.

As a result, Conte has only been in the dugout for one of Spurs’ Premier League matches in February – their 4-1 loss to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

Cristian Stellini, along with the rest of the Tottenham coaching staff, have marshalled the troops in the Lilywhites’ three consecutive home wins against Manchester City, West Ham United and Chelsea.

However, The Evening Standard have now explained that Conte has remained in constant contact with Stellini through this period and has been heavily involved in picking the team and in making in-game decisions.

As a result, the Premier League are planning on including the 53-year-old’s name rather than Stellini’s in their five-man shortlist for the Premier League Manager of the Month award for February this week.

Stelllini revealed after the 2-0 win against Chelsea on Sunday that Conte is expected to return to north London this week.

He told the BBC: “Our desire was this to win, play a great game and to fight for every ball and we are happy for the fans, the club and of course for us and Antonio who is still at home,” 

“My expectation is that Antonio will be back this week,”

Spurs Web Opinion

Despite being in Italy, Conte has clearly been heavily involved in the decisions and it is his staff who have delivered these wins based on the processes that the Tottenham head coach has put in place.

So, I do not see any issue with Conte rather than Stellini being nominated for the award, although I am sure that the 53-year-old would be gracious in crediting his coaching staff for the award if he ends up winning it.

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