Cristian Stellini reveals when Antonio Conte is expected back at Tottenham
By Tom Gott
Tottenham assistant coach Cristian Stellini has revealed that manager Antonio Conte is expected back at the club in the coming days.
Conte has been taking some extra time off after returning too soon from recent gallbladder surgery, with Stellini overseeing the club in his absence.
With Stellini at the helm, Spurs saw off West Ham 2-0 last weekend and followed that up with another 2-0 victory over Chelsea on Sunday, after which the assistant revealed that Conte's absence from the dugout could be coming to an end soon.
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."
Striker Harry Kane, who scored his side's second against Chelsea, also sent his best wishes to Conte after the match.
"We want our manager to be there but we know he's doing the most important thing for him and his family," Kane said. "I’m sure he's jumping up and down around the living room. Its nice to keep winning while he's away."
Stellini has now managed four games without Conte and he has secured victories in each of those matches, seeing off Marseille, Manchester City, West Ham and now Chelsea.
After the first two of those victories, Conte returned to oversee defeats to Leicester and AC Milan, but Stellini will once again hand over an in-form side to his boss when he eventually returns to Tottenham.