Portuguese manager Nuno Espirito Santo was on Monday sacked by Tottenham Hotspur after less than five months
in charge of the North London club. The 47-year-old was appointed on
a two-year-contract in June as successor to compatriot Jose Mourinho and was in
charge for just 17 games, with Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester United proving
to be his final assignment.

Spurs are
currently eighth in the Premier League table, ten points off leaders Chelsea,
after five wins and as many losses from 10 games this season.

In a
statement, Tottenham said, “The Club can today announce that Nuno Espírito
Santo and his coaching staff Ian Cathro, Rui Barbosa and Antonio Dias have been
relieved of their duties. A
further coaching update will follow in due course.”

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Managing Director
of football Fabio Paratici said, “I know how much Nuno and his coaching staff
wanted to succeed and I regret that we have had to take this decision. Nuno is
a true gentleman and will always be welcome here. We should like to thank him
and his coaching staff and wish them well for the future.”

Nuno’s
dismissal means Spurs are now looking to appoint their fourth permanent manager
in three seasons, since sacking Mauricio Pochettino in November 2019. The
former Porto and Valencia spent four seasons with Wolverhampton Wanderers
before leaving the Midlands club in May.

In 17 games
under Nuno in all competitions, Spurs recorded nine wins, one draw and seven losses
– five of which came in the league. Spurs are the second-worst club in the league
in terms of shots and chances created this season.

Meanwhile, Antonio
Conte, who won league titles with Chelsea Inter Milan and Juventus, is the favourite to
replace the Portuguese. According to reports, Tottenham have already contacted the
Italian manager, who is expected to arrive in London soon to complete final
negotiations, with an official announcement also slated to be made.

Spurs are next in action on Thursday in the Europa Conference League against Dutch side Vitese at home before a trip to Everton on Sunday.