Cristian Stellini has revealed that he consoled Pape Matar Sarr after taking him off on the 23-minute mark against Newcastle United this afternoon.
The youngster was handed a rare chance in the starting line-up as Stellini switched to a back four of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Eric Dier, and Ivan Perisic.
(Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
However, Tottenham proceeded to concede five within the first 20 minutes of the match and Stellini decided to switch to a back five, introducing Davinson Sanchez in place of Sarr.
Stellini was keen to take responsibility for the embarrassing defeat, and also revealed that he told Sarr it was not his fault when the Senegalese starlet was removed from the action at St James’ Park.
Tottenham went on to settle the ship and the second half finished 1-1, but that was arguably down to Newcastle coasting through the final 45 minutes of the game.
When asked what he said to Sarr, Stellini told SkySports (Main Event 23/04/23 from 16:40): “I said to him, it was not his mistake or his problem.
“We knew that the first 20 minutes here will be difficult for everyone, just don’t concede a goal, after the first shot we conceded the first goal.
“I am the coach and I am above them, I have to protect them and they deserve my protection.
“Today I have to take this responsibility.”
Spurs Web Opinion:
No one person should take responsibility for what we saw out there. That is a cop-out. Every player and every member of staff should be looking at themselves in some capacity. Tottenham need to start taking accountability from the very top to the very bottom.
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