Antonio Conte steps away from coaching duties again as he targets full recovery

Tottenham Hotspur announced that manager Antonio Conte has undergone a post-operation check-up in Italy and will step away from first-team duties again.

Conte had a gallbladder operation two weeks ago and was supposed to be out of action for a while.

However, he returned to the dugout for the clash against Leicester City after missing only one game. He was also on the touchline as they lost to AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday.

Conte was very calm during the game against the Foxes but returned to his usual animated self on home soil. 

A club statement read: “Following a routine post-operation check in Italy yesterday (Wednesday), Antonio Conte will remain at his family home to further and fully recover from his recent gallbladder surgery.

“Health is the most important consideration, and everyone at the club wishes him well. Cristian Stellini will assume first-team responsibility.”

Conte did not take things easy post-surgery and quickly returned to the sidelines. He admitted he was not 100% okay ahead of the game against the Rossoneri.

He admitted on Instagram that the quick return to action was not a good idea. The 53-year-old said his passion for the club fans and players forced him to return too early. He now has to rest until he fully recovers.

Stellini already has experience leading the team. He led them to their win over Olympique Marseille in the last game of their Champions League group.

The 47-year-old was also on the touchline as Tottenham beat Manchester City 1-0, courtesy of Harry Kane’s record-breaking goal. He will continue to handle those duties now.

Tottenham face West Ham United this weekend as they look to climb above Manchester United in the Premier League table for a Champions League spot next season.

The Hammers are 16th in the standings, only two points above Everton in the relegation zone. But West Ham boss David Moyes will hope his side can keep up their recent momentum.

They are unbeaten in their last four games, beating the Toffees (league) and Derby County (FA Cup) before earning respectable 1-1 draws against Newcastle United and Chelsea in their last two EPL outings.