Axed supervisor forewarned the problems that may include switching to a back-four in January, however stand-in boss Cristian Stellini pressed forward with the tactical tweak regardless, leading to a heavy defeat for and co towards that's set to complicate issues for chairman Daniel Levy.
Spurs fielded a back-five for virtually the entire of Conte's reign, which was delivered to an finish by the membership final month. Interim supervisor Stellini initially opted to stay with the Italian's philosophy, a lot to the frustration of supporters, who needed to see one thing new after months of stale soccer.
Outcomes failed to choose up as Stellini oversaw a win, a draw and a damning defeat at residence to Bournemouth in his first three matches. An damage to centre-back Clement Lenglet additionally persuaded him to change issues up towards the Magpies, and a few followers had been optimistic when the group sheet revealed solely 4 defenders.
Nevertheless, the temper soured in double-quick time as Newcastle raced right into a three-goal lead and saved their foot on the fuel all through the first-half, heading into the break 5-0 up.
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A purpose every within the second interval created an emphatic 6-1 scoreline, and Stellini confronted reporters red-faced after the ultimate whistle, when he took full duty for the failed formation change.
Regardless of leaving north London as a broadly unpopular determine, Conte was confirmed spot on by the debacle after being requested in January whether or not he would think about enjoying a back-four. "The traits of the gamers was not so good to play a again 4," .
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"Sooner or later, most likely we are able to attempt to change. But when we lose, I am justified!" Having positioned Stellini in momentary cost till the top of the season, the previous few weeks have introduced contemporary warmth onto Levy, whose hunt for Conte's everlasting successor will solely have been made extra difficult by Sunday's drubbing at St James' Park.
It now seems unlikely that Levy will have the ability to supply a potential new supervisor Champions League soccer subsequent season, with Spurs six factors behind fourth-placed Manchester United, who're in higher kind and have a sport in hand.
Julian Nagelsmann is taken into account the favorite for the hotseat after being sacked by Bayern Munich earlier this season. The 35-year-old additionally has admirers at Chelsea, however he's now not in competition after the Blues' due diligence returned blended opinions.
Vincent Kompany is one other fashionable candidate after incomes promotion to the Premier League in his first season as Burnley boss, whereas Arne Slot can also be a supervisor in demand as Feyenoord energy in the direction of the Eredivisie title.