Christian Stellini comments made to sound hollow as latest Paratici bombshell rocks Tottenham

Managing director Fabio Paratici has taken leave of absence from his role, conflicting with Christian Stellini’s comments that there is no Tottenham crisis.

The 50-year-old has been in the job since June 2021, overseeing player recruitment. He is said to have a keen eye for new players and plenty of contacts in the game to lure them to north London. However, he has now stepped back from the position after recent events.

The Italian was handed a 30-month ban from Italian football in January after his former club, Juventus, were found guilty of false accounting.

Both Paratici and the Old Lady are appealing against the ban. However, FIFA this week extended his sanction ‘to have worldwide effect’.

Spurs immediately sought urgent further clarification over the situation.

But, on Friday evening, the Lilywhites announced via their website that they had no choice but to suspend him from operational duties.

“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,” part of a statement read.

The news comes just five days after Antonio Conte was sacked as manager.

The former Chelsea boss vented his spleen at both his players and the board after Spurs’ 3-3 draw with Southampton.

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Most pundits felt it was almost a resignation letter. And the Italian duly left the club by mutual consent.

The Paratici bombshell means there is a significant void at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Paratici news at odds with Stellini comments

Cristian Stellini is now in charge of first-team affairs as Daniel Levy seeks another manager.

Many names have been mentioned in connection with the job. Former Tottenham chief Mauricio Pochettino seems to be among the frontrunners.

Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique are also thought to be in the frame.

However, The Sun are suggesting that former Manchester City captain and current Burnley manager Vincent Kompany is the man they want.

He has guided the Clarets to the top of the Championship. And they are huge favourites to return to the Premier League next term.

That is for the future. The present sees Tottenham in a battle to secure a Champions League spot.

They sit fourth in the table but Newcastle are just two points behind and have a couple of games in hand.

The latest news is hardly going to calm matters at the club. But, when asked if the club is in crisis at Friday’s press conference, Stellini refused to be too downbeat.

“When you take decisions for the best you are not in crisis,” he told reporters. “If you have some matters, we have to stay compact and we have to stick together to move on and play the matches.”

The former Inter assistant’s stoic stance is not universally shared. Martin Buhagiar, a board member of the supporters’ trust, laid out his feelings.

“It is really worrying because the lack of leadership is becoming a real concern for Spurs fans,” he told PA.

“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.”

Spurs are not in action this weekend and will next take on Everton at Goodison Park on Monday.

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