Tottenham assistant manager Cristian Stellini says Ryan Mason is capable of succeeding in coaching.

Stellini has been deputising for head coach Antonio Conte while the Spurs manager recuperates in Italy following surgery to have his gallbladder removed. Stellini has been left to make tactical decisions alongside Mason, who has been first team coach since November 2021.

“I think so, yeah," Stellini told the London Evening Standard when asked whether he thought Mason would one day take the step up and become a head coach in his own right.

“He is young. He needs time and experience but probably. I am not the right person to give him suggestions because he has studied a lot and he wants to improve. He has a good character to be a coach and to lead a club. But he needs experience like everyone.

“I think one of the best skills for a coach is [clarity]. Don't create confusion. He has many details, many ideas, many players to make a choice [about]. To [filter] all this is an important skill. Ryan has the character and this type of skill, and I think this is an important skill for a great coach."