Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

‘Could get sacked at half-time’ – Stellini savaged as ’embarrassing’ Tottenham receive thumping

Cristian Stellini, Tottenham, April 2023

Clinton Morrison slammed “embarrassing” Tottenham as they went 5-0 down after 20 minutes against Newcastle, and he detailed how Cristian Stellini “could get sacked before half-time”.

Spurs’ form of late has left a lot to be desired. Indeed, the side, now under the management of Stellini, following Antonio Conte’s departure, have struggled greatly.

Conte left by mutual consent following a 3-3 draw against bottom-placed Southampton in March. Since then, Spurs have drawn against 10-man Everton, lost to Bournemouth and now been hammered by Newcastle.

A trip to St James’ Park might have represented a tight game for some. Indeed, fifth-placed Spurs started the day three points and one place behind the Magpies.

Things could not have started much worse for Stellini’s side, though. A brace from Jacob Murphy, along with a goal from Joelinton, meant Tottenham were 3-0 down within 10 minutes.

Newcastle did not relent, putting another two goals past Spurs within the next 10 minutes.

Things got worse for them in the second half, as Newcastle added another, and though Spurs got one back, it did little to ease the pain of a 6-1 scoreline.

The loss compounded the misery of Spurs at the minute. Indeed, it continued a poor run and meant they lost ground on the two sides above them, giving their top-four prospects a big blow.

Morrison slams ’embarrassing’ Spurs

Speaking on Sky Sports during the game, former Premier League striker Morrison savaged the side, along with manager Stellini.

“He could get sacked before half-time, that’s how bad it is at the moment,” he said.

“Now tell me I’m not right, it’s 5-0 after 20 minutes of football.

“Come on, this is Tottenham Hotspur we’re talking about and you’ve conceded five goals after 20 minutes. Come on, come on.”

Had Stellini done a good job for the rest of the season, there might have been a chance of him being offered the role on a full-time basis. Given how poor Spurs have been of late, he genuinely might not survive until the end of the campaign.

With reports suggesting Julian Nagelsmann is ‘very tempted’ to take the job, Tottenham might well attempt to push that appointment through soon. There is a chance he’s put off by the poor form, though.

Morrison ‘feels sorry’ for attacking players

Morrison continued to lambast Spurs, sympathising with the attacking players but slamming the poor nature of the defending.

“I can’t believe they’re fifth – it’s embarrassing. I’m thinking come on, who’s going to step up there,” he said.

“Listen, Harry Kane’s at the other end so you can’t have a go at Harry Kane. I feel sorry for the attacking players, they’ve not even been in the game apart from one chance.

“You’re losing two or three nil, someone’s then got to get the team together, because it is a struggle. It’s embarrassing at the moment.”

Indeed, a 6-1 battering reflects poorly on the defence. What’s more, Tottenham have now conceded 14 goals in their last five games.

They’ll hope problems at the back don’t continue to hinder them, as they could be in for a very poor end to the season if that’s the case.

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