Antonio Conte's concerning post-match press conference and previous comments should give Daniel Levy plenty to think about as uncertainty grows over the Italian's future in north London.
The 52-year-old's appointment was welcomed by Spurs fans and there was hope that it would be the start of success at Tottenham but nearly five months into his Spurs chapter, there are already concerns over his position.
The Lilywhites earned three points in a thrilling victory over Manchesterr City at the Etihad on Saturday but just a few days later suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Burnley.
After the positivity Conte expressed after the victory to Pep Guardiola's side, his post-match press conference after his side's trip to Turf Moor had a very different tone.
"I’m trying to do everything to change the situation but the situation is not changing," the Italian said.
"Someone has to speak about the race for the fourth place, and the reality from the last five games is we have to pay attention to not fight for the relegation zone."
Conte has won league titles with Chelsea, Juventus and Inter Milan but this success hasn't come without struggles and he hasn't been afraid to express that previously.
Inter won the Serie A league title last season, 12 points ahead of second placed AC Milan, but shortly after topping the table, the Italian left the club due to disruptions with those above him and the clubs president, Steven Zhang, later explained that they had "different ideas".
Just a month before he won the league with the Italian side and then made his exit, Conte explained his situation.
"I know that I can only have an impact on the present," he admitted. "The club’s programs have changed and I need clarity at the end of the season, we need a clear project because the fans deserve it."
This admission confirms what most people already know about the Italian - he has his own managerial approach which have been a success at various club and he isn't afraid to walk away if he doesn't feel like he is being backed.
Soon after his exit from Inter, the 52-year-old spoke about his decision to leave.
"I can only say that my project never changed, but it would make no sense to talk about these things now," Conte explained.
"If my problem or my obsession was money, I would have stayed where I was in the past. I would have accepted compromises and perhaps earned contract renewals.
"Instead I look at the projects and I am willing to stay at home if they do not convince me."
This further reiterates the strong-willed nature of the Italian and that he won't just put up with situations at a club if his vision isn't being supported.
Those comments are in the past and Conte has now left that situation behind, but he doesn't seem to have found a completely new situation upon his arrival in N17 and he has not been afraid to leave before and may well do so again.
This is why the next few months could prove crucial for Tottenham's future.
The club brought Conte in after numerous managers tried and failed to take Spurs to the levels expected from a top side and if anyone is going to find success for the Lilywhites, it's the Italian.
However, you can bring in the best manager in the world but if you don't have the quality on the pitch or the backing from those above, it will still be a struggle to create success, which is maybe what the 52-year-old is coming to realise, more than what he could see from the outside.
Conte wanted a right wing-back, striker and central midfielder from the January transfer window and only the latter of his wishes was fulfilled.
This means that he now has to lead his side through the next few months of the season with the squad currently at his disposal.
After the Burnley defeat the Spurs boss spoke about a meeting with the club's hierachy and this, along with the need for backing in the summer transfer window, is likely to determine Conte's future in N17.
Daniel Levy needs to support arguably the best manager Tottenham could have got after Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked and his previous comments should tell him why.
Fabio Paratici also needs to find players that can give the Lilywhites the upgrade in quality they need.
If either of these components fail, or Conte doesn't feel supported by the board, then it could already be the beginning of the end of his short chapter in north London.
