Antonio Conte and Daniel Levy tipped for ‘honest talks’ after Aston Villa defeat as Tottenham boss claims last season’s top four finish was a ‘miracle’

Antonio Conte has called for realism from Tottenham fans after his side were booed and chants were given to Daniel Levy after another disappointing defeat.

Spurs were beaten 2-0 at home to Aston Villa on New Year’s Day, leaving them just two wins from their last seven games in all competitions.

They sit fifth in the Premier League table, two points behind Manchester United and two ahead of Liverpool – their two rivals having played one less game.

It was another soft performance from Tottenham, who fell behind for the tenth game in a row and looked unable to get back on track.

But Conte, who has yet to agree a contract extension despite Spurs’ willingness to tie him down on a long-term deal, struggled after the game as he reacted to mockery from the home support.

The Italian insisted it was a ‘miracle’ leading Tottenham to the Champions League last season, and said expectations had to be lowered.

“I know what the reality is because I’m the coach,” he said.

“The club knows very well what I think of the situation. The situation was very clear. I keep working and improving and helping you improve the club, build a strong foundation and then grow.

“You have to know that there are clubs that can invest £200m or £300m and others with different policies and I repeat you have to respect the policy.

“The policy has to be very clear with everyone else we have created a situation that is not positive for the environment to create expectations that are not realistic, honestly.

“I was expecting this moment. Now we have to start fighting hard because things in this league can get out of hand quickly.

“If you ask me if I’m scared, I’m not scared. I believe in my job, I believe in these players, but don’t ask me for things I can’t promise you.

Conte arrived at Spurs last November and, despite an inconsistent opening month, managed to help them overthrow Arsenal in the race for the top four last season.

The signings of Clement Lenglet, Ivan Perisic, Yves Bissouma and Richarlison this summer have raised expectations and led to talk of their participation in the title race.

But Tottenham were booed after a third home defeat in five matches with chants of “Levy out” aimed at the chairman in the second half.

Conte insisted: “I keep repeating that last season we performed a miracle.

“I’ve been very clear with the club because at the moment and before I became a title contender, because I remember very well in the early summer people were talking about Tottenham as title contenders. but in my experience, it was kinda crazy to read that.

“People think you come in and you win. It can happen for a team used to winning in the past. But if you are not used to it, it means you have to create this situation and for this reason you need time and patience.

“I understand that the fans are disappointed because they can say ‘but we waited a long time’, I understand that but the situation is this. If you want the truth, I can tell you the truth.

Despite Conte’s comments, Perry Groves doesn’t think he will leave the club or be fired anytime soon.

“Financially, I don’t know if Daniel Levy would want to pay this compensation,” Groves told talkSPORT.

“There’s going to be a lot of tough talk and honest talk because Conte will say his team needs a refresh. He was backed at the start of the season so it’s another test because it could implode very quickly for the players. Spurs.

“I know a lot of Spurs fans want [Mauricio] Pochettino is back because he wants to see exciting and free-flowing football.

“You won’t get that under Conte, but normally you get winning football and he’s not delivering that at the moment.”

The games are dense and fast for Conte and a recovery is needed quickly to prevent Spurs from slipping further down the table.

The Italian takes his side to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday before Portsmouth visit north London in the FA Cup.

But the next four matches could make or break Spurs’ season, starting with a visit to leaders Arsenal followed by a trip to Manchester City.

They then travel to Fulham before welcoming City in early February.