Antonio Conte has used Chelsea and Liverpool as examples of why Tottenham will find it difficult to win the FA Cup this season.
The Italian coach, who has been in charge at Spurs since November following Nuno Espirito Santo's departure from the north London club, lifted the FA Cup during his time as manager of Chelsea back in 2018.
There is quite a difference, though, with the Blues squad he had in 2018 and the one Tottenham have at their disposal right now - with Conte not hiding the fact that he is keen on strengthening his options in upcoming transfer windows.
Chelsea were in Carabao Cup final action on Sunday afternoon, and after 120 minutes of action at Wembley the game ended in Liverpool winning the penalty shootout 11-10.
The match was at a really high level and it made for an entertaining spectacle despite the lack of goals.
Conte has now used this match as an example of why it will be difficult for Tottenham, who face Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday evening, to win the prestigious competition this season.
The Spurs boss said: "I'm not desperate [to win the FA Cup] but you know very well I want to win.
"But [laughing] I am not desperate or it would be very hard to continue. For sure it is a great competition and previously I was lucky to reach the final for two years in a row.
"I would like to continue this tradition for Tottenham, especially for my players, especially the fans and the club, not only for me.
"But you know this trophy is not simple or easy, and tomorrow we have to face Middlesbrough, a tough game. Middlesbrough eliminated Manchester United from the competition. I want to see continuity in the performance and the result of my players.
"We need continuity to show that in defeat we are learning something more. I hope tomorrow to see a good game, good football, at the same time with a great desire to go to the next round.
"Also, I want to celebrate the game between Chelsea and Liverpool yesterday, it was a great, exciting game to watch.
"This also underlines how difficult it is to win trophies in this country. It was amazing for me and all the people in other countries to watch this game.
"Great congratulations for me to Chelsea and Liverpool, the players, the coach, for the fans, for the total environment it was a fantastic sport for football. I think that England has to be proud about this."
