Tottenham Hotspur’s acting head coach Cristian Stellini says the club is “not in crisis” following a tumultuous week.
Spurs also announced on Friday that managing director Fabio Paratici is to take a leave of absence after his ban from Italian football was extended worldwide by Fifa on Wednesday.
But Stellini said: “When you take decisions for the best you are not in crisis.”
Tottenham are out of all cup competitions, but fourth in the Premier League and visit Everton on Monday.
“If you have some matters, we have to stay compact and we have to stick together to move on and play the matches,” added Stellini, who has been appointed acting head coach until the end of the season.
The 48-year-old’s comments came after the Tottenham Supporters’ Trust said it was “one mess after another”.
Martin Buhagiar, a board member of the supporters’ trust, told the PA news agency: “It is really worrying because the lack of leadership is becoming a real concern for Spurs fans now.
“I think there is a complete disillusionment about the way the club is being run and I think this is the worst it has been. Something has to change.”
Stellini also said he had “no problem” accepting the interim role, having received Conte’s blessing.
Conte’s departure followed a remarkable news conference after their recent 3-3 draw at Southampton where he called the Spurs players “selfish” and criticised the club’s culture.
“I spoke with Antonio,” added Stellini. “The club and Antonio spoke to each other. They take the decision together and they let me know, I was aware of it.
“They call me and say the decision is taken and if you agree with us, you can do it. I had no problem to say yes.”
Paratici steps back pending appeal
Paratici was sporting director and managing director at Juventus before joining Tottenham in June 2021, but was banned for 30 months in January after the Italian side were found guilty of false accounting.
The ban initially only prevented him from working in Italy, but the extension would restrict him from fulfilling his duties at Spurs, who said they were “urgently seeking further clarification from Fifa”, before announcing on Friday that he would depart pending the outcome of an appeal.
In a statement, Tottenham said: “Given Fifa’s unexpected ruling the sanctions may now have multi jurisdictional effect.
“In view of Fifa’s decision, Fabio has agreed with the club that he will take an immediate leave of absence pending the outcome of his appeal.”
