Tottenham Hotspur assistant head coach Cristian Stellini spoke about the absence of manager Antonio Conte.

Spurs are preparing for their last Champions League group stage game away to Marseille.

In a game they must win to keep their qualification fate in their own hands, Spurs will be without coach Conte, who was sent off in their draw with Sporting CP last time around.

Asked about how Conte will react to not being there, Stellini stated in a press conference: “When Antonio is on the touchline, he lives with passion every game but probably he struggles more when he stays in the crowd and so it explains how Antonio lives his job.

“He's very passionate and if he cannot communicate with us he struggles a lot.

“Only this."

He added on Conte's poor European record: “We keep working hard to improve.

“Antonio is one of the best in the game and in this competition even if not done well historically, he remains one of the best in the world, he gives the players the best chance to progress.

“As a coach he's always working hard to improve and improve our staff as well."