Tottenham caretaker boss Cristian Stellini has said he was wrong in the formation he decided to play against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday.

The coach, who is serving on an interim basis following the sacking of Antonio Conte, said he is taking full responsibility for his side’s 6-1 mauling at the hands of Newcastle.

Newcastle scored five goals under the first 21 minutes of play and Stellini said the mistake was when he decided to change to back four, discarding Conte’s usual back three.

Harry Kane netted a consolation goal as Tottenham became more solid in the second half after the coach reverted to back three.

The game ended 6-1 as substitute Callum Wilson added a sixth for Newcastle.

“It is my responsibility, I took it and it was wrong,” the Italian told Sky Sports.

“I have to take responsibility because once we changed the system we played better, scored and showed fight. It’s very difficult to understand why the first 25 minutes were so bad.”