Antonio Conte warned Tottenham will need another “miracle” to finish in the top four before launching an astonishing rant at “crazy” expectation levels.
Tottenham fans booed the players off after their home defeat by Aston Villa on Sunday and chanted “Daniel Levy, get out of our club” in protest at the under-fire chairman. But Conte saw Tottenham slip to fifth place and warned they cannot compete for success because rival clubs can splash out £300million to buy success.
It was a clear warning from Conte that he wants serious backing in January but also raised further questions about his long-term future, which remains in serious doubt beyond next summer.
When asked how difficult it would be for Tottenham to finish in the top four, Spurs boss Conte said: “Last season, we made a miracle. We did a miracle. But I knew which was the situation and was very clear with the club.
“Then I recall very well people talked about Tottenham as title contenders this season but this was a bit crazy to read this. To become title contenders, a team ready to fight to win something, you need a solid foundation.
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“People think you arrive and you win. This can happen for a team used to winning in the past. If you are not used to it, you have to create this, and you need time and patience. I understand the fans are disappointed because they had patience for a long time.
“But you want the truth, I tell you the truth. I know the reality. I am the coach. I live the club every day. I know the situation. I know the vision of the club. The club knows my thoughts on the situation.
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Antonio Conte pulled no punches in his press conference after Tottenham's defeat by Aston Villa (Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)“At the start of the season, I was very clear, we can be competitive but try to continue to improve, but also there are clubs who can invest £200m or £300m and others with different policies, and you have to respect the policy.
“Otherwise, in a situation that’s not positive to create expectations that are not realistic. I repeat this from the start of the season. I was expecting this moment.
“Now, we have to start to fight because in this league you can slip quickly. I spoke with my players. From start to the end the road is not long. You can slip if you are not prepared and not humble.
“I’m not scared but don’t ask me for things I cannot promise. This creates an illusion and can create dreams. But you have to be realistic. You know the situation.”
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