Tottenham Hotspur were unable to secure the win, or draw for that matter, against NS Mura that would have been enough to give them a chance to top Group G this evening.
With Vitesse Arnhem fighting back to draw 3-3 with Rennes, a 1-1 draw would have been enough for Spurs to take Group G down to the final week.
However, in true Tottenham fashion, a slip from Ben Davies and some poor defending from Davinson Sanchez allowed the Slovenian side to score a winner in the final seconds.
The Lilywhites will now have to fight it out with Vitesse for second place, knowing that a two-legged play-off against Europa League opposition awaits even if they win that battle. Spurs come up against Rennes in the final game week, while Vitesse play NS Mura.
After the match, Conte gave a very open and honest press conference, revealing that Spurs have a long way to go before they can compete for major titles.
He said (Football London): “To win is always important, but then you have to understand if you are ready to win. At this moment I think there is a lot of road in front of us before we think we can win. For sure I want to reduce the time to try and win something.
“The situation now is starting to be very clear in my mind. I like to win, I play to win in every competition that we have to play. This must be the same for my players. At the same time, how long this way? I repeat, I am not scared.
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“This road could be one metre or 100 metres, I am not scared I am ready to go and do this path. But at the same time I want to be very honest, we have to work a lot and improve in many, many aspects.
“We have to do better at many, many things. It is important in football to have vision. Where are you now and what do you want in the future and I think to have vision, I am here to help the club in this aspect.
“The club is outstanding outside, to create a stadium but now we start from behind. It is important to know this because I am not a magician and after three weeks I have found players that want to work and have great commitment but sometimes it is not enough.”
Spurs Web Opinion:
Tottenham are one million miles away from winning major trophies. But that is why Conte has been brought in. I have to keep faith that Levy and co are going to give him the tools he needs, otherwise what was the point in hiring him?
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