Antonio Conte stressed it would take time for Tottenham to start competing in the Champions League in the wake of his side’s 0-0 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday night.
While Spurs created a number of good chances in an improved performance following Saturday’s loss to Arsenal, Conte’s frontline failed to fire.
Harry Kane and Heung-min Son were guilty of squandering opportunities as the team continue to suffer from the absence of Dejan Kulusevski.
The Italian named an unchanged starting lineup even despite Saturday’s loss, leaving Yves Bissouma, Matt Doherty and Djed Spence on the bench after questioning the trio in recent weeks. Richarlison, meanwhile, proved careless in possession and Bryan Gil - a player loaned out to Valencia last season - was brought on for the final ten minutes.
Conte’s own record in Europe’s elite club competition has come into question and the former Inter Milan, Juventus and Chelsea manager insisted Spurs needed more transfer windows to get into a position from which to make an impact on the grandest stage.
“We weren’t able last season to face two competitions,” Conte said.
“Now we have to go step by step, have patience, take time, you need to have time and to build an important squad to face a competition like the Champions League.
“If you think ‘yeah I want to make some rotations’ and it is a bit difficult.
“We know this situation with the club and the club knows very well we need time and patience, to try to go step by step. I spoke about the transfer market, that we needed more transfer markets to reach a good level. We know this. At the same time we want to be competitive, to try to do everything.”
