Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte didn't hold back while discussing the 'crazy' expectations on his side during an extraordinary press conference rant.
Spurs were booed off the pitch on Sunday following a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa. The result means they've slipped out of the top four following Manchester United's win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Supporters inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium aimed chants at club chairman Daniel Levy, telling him to sell up as soon as possible.
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Conte did little to suggest things will get better before they get any worse post-match.
The Italian coach said Spurs reaching the top four last season was a 'miracle' while lamenting how much the rest of the top six can spend.
Spurs signed seven players in the summer, totalling a whopping £149 million.
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Conte believes he will need significant backing in the January transfer window to ensure Champions League qualification in back-to-back seasons.
When asked about Spurs' top four hopes, the 53-year-old admitted: "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.
"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."
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Villa took the lead in the 50th minute after a Hugo Lloris error allowed Emiliano Buendia to fire home his first league goal since August.
Douglas Luiz doubled the away side's advantage with a neat finish after John McGinn's exceptional pass.
Spurs return to action on Wednesday evening against Crystal Palace. The pressure is now on for Conte, who has won a trophy in his last three managerial jobs.
Featured Image Credit: Tottenham Hotspur & AlamyTopics: Tottenham Hotspur, Antonio Conte, Aston Villa, Premier League