(Reuters) - In less than a month, Tottenham Hotspur have fired two coaches, seen their director of football resign and potentially kissed goodbye to any hope of a Champions League qualifying spot after a 6-1 demolition by Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Such has been their capitulation that manager Antonio Conte's parting words in a furious rant about a selfish squad lacking"the fire in your eyes to win" still ring true as Spurs fell to a humiliating drubbing at St James' Park on Sunday.
Cristian Stellini's sacking was inevitable as the Italian, who had never managed a top flight team, looked out of his depth despite impressive results while playing with Conte's system when his compatriot was recovering from gallbladder surgery. "Sunday's performance against Newcastle was wholly unacceptable. It was devastating to see ... ultimately the responsibility is mine," Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said in a statement after 48-year-old Stellini was shown the door.
Italian Fabio Paratici was forced to resign as Spurs' managing director of football after his appeal against a 30-month worldwide ban over his role in transfer deals and finances while at former club Juventus was rejected.The only bright spark on a dispiriting afternoon in Newcastle was Harry Kane's consolation goal, but Spurs fans will fear this may be his last season in the Lilywhite shirt as he nears the final 12 months of his contract.
Bayern Munich have been linked with a move for Kane but he may stick around in England to try to break Shearer's record.
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