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Cristian Stellini insists Fabio Paratici leaving Tottenham «wasn’t a factor in the preparations» for Sunday’s match against Newcastle United.
Paratici officially resigned on Friday after losing his appeal against a 30-month ban by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on certain football-related activities, which FIFA has set to extend globally.
Asked if it had affected preparations for the match against Newcastle, Stellini told reporters: «No, it’s not a preparation factor.
“Fabio has been away from here for a couple of weeks so nothing has changed in this type of situation but humanly we are very close to Fabio. It was a difficult time for him. The end result is very sad for him and for his whole family. The club released a statement.
“[I now report to] Gretar Steinsson, Daniel Levy and Andy [Scoulding]. We have people around Fabio who have come forward.»
Spurs have earned four points from Stellini’s three games in charge as interim manager after Tottenham opted to sack Conte following a 3-3 draw with Southampton last month.
Their mixed form has seen them drop to fifth in the Premier League table with Manchester United and Newcastle United now in the driver’s seat to qualify for the Champions League.
Tottenham are three points behind fourth-placed Newcastle, with the Geordies also having a game in hand on Stellini’s side as the sides meet at St James’ Park on Sunday.
When asked about injuries ahead of the trip, Stellini added: “We have Ben Davies back in training, in part of training so maybe not ready to play yet.
“Clement Lenglet is so-so. We are trying to have it 100%. He trained. We are confident he can train for a full session with the peloton tomorrow rather than sit on the sidelines.”
Davinson Sanchez was booed off the field during the 3-2 defeat against Bournemouth last weekend and Stellini admits that it has been a «hard» week for the Colombian.
Stellini continued: “Yes, I spoke to Patron. We had a good conversation. Obviously it’s tough for a player to get in and out of the field. It’s the kind of thing that happened to me as a gamer. Not the best time. It’s the kind of thing that has to give you a good reaction. He’s a good guy and he understands the situation.
«It’s very rare [this kind of booing from your own fans] and I think it has happened to some players. Your reaction is important to get fans back with you. I want to help him to have this situation.
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