Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte insists he is “happy” at Spurs although admitting issue exists between himself and the club regarding his long-term future.
The north Londoners lost 2-0 at home Aston Villa on Sunday with this being their fourth loss in seven Premier League games – a defeat edging them out out of the top four.
Conte, whose Spurs contract expires at the end of the season, was exasperated with the “crazy” expectation surrounding his side and claimed the club need to be signing two players worth £50-70m every season if they are to become serious title contenders.
The Italian coach was asked ahead of Wednesday’s match at Crystal Palace, whether he wants to be a long-term part of Spurs’ project, to which he replied: “This is a problem [an issue] between me and the club. Now I am really committed for this club and for Tottenham.
“Then there is this project and I signed a contract with this club and I have to accept this project and try to build and help the club with this project.
“During this process a 1,000 things can happen. The club can sack the manager or there are different visions, different situations.”
Sky Sports News reported the previous month that Conte and Spurs had resumed contract talks, with the club having the option to extend his current deal by a year. The understanding is that a new contract is yet to be agreed, which leaves the 53-year-old’s future at Spurs with some measure of doubt.
When asked whether he was happy at Spurs, he responded: “I’m happy. I’ve always told you that I’m happy.
“I’m happy to stay here. I’m enjoying my time at Tottenham.
“I’m happy with the way that I’m working, but I’m happy doesn’t mean I don’t tell you what we are doing.
Antonio Conte says fans have to have ‘realistic’ expectations after Tottenham Hotspur suffered their fourth loss in seven Premier League games
“We are trying to create a base, a foundation. It’s difficult for me every day to answer the same thing but you are not understanding [what I’m saying].
“I’m happy to stay here because I’m at a modern club and I have a good relationship with the players.
“But I’ve explained the way that we are. I didn’t suggest anything.
“There are times I go to my home and I think I have to study English much more because I’m not good at transferring my thoughts to you. Either I’m not good or you don’t want to understand what I’m saying.”