Cristian Stellini has claimed that Antonio Conte "will have to take it easy for a bit" following his return to Hotspur Way after his recent operation. Last Wednesday it was confirmed by the club that the head coach needed to undergo surgery to remove his gallbladder after a diagnosis of cholecystitis.
Following the successful surgery in his homeland of Italy, the 53-year-old returned to the club's Enfield base on Thursday as he looks to work with his team once again. Despite taking his place on the training pitch, Stellini, who was in charge of the team last week as they beat Man City 1-0, once again took on pre-match press conference duties and spoke to the media about Saturday's tricky encounter away at Leicester City.
Opening up on Conte's return, Stellini admitted that everyone is so happy to have him back and that the boss took the time to hug every single player after returning to Hotspur Way. However, he did indicate that Conte's role for Saturday's game at Leicester was not discussed.
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"Antonio is back. This morning on to the pitch with us. He will have to take it easy for a bit," admitted Stellini. "We were so happy to have him back on the training ground. He took time to hug every player.
"We didn't speak about what he would do in the next match but he is back [with us]. We have time to be ready."
Asked if he had mentioned his 100% win record to Conte after also leading the team to a vital Champions League win over Marseille in November, Stellini added: "Haha, no. I've never spoke about this – it's only a joke, only a joke."
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