Ramon Vega has warned Tottenham could risk losing Antonio Conte unless they turn their “donkey into a race horse.”
Former Tottenham defender Vega joined the growing list of fed-up Spurs fans who are frustrated at a lack of transfer business in the January window.
Daniel Levy and #ENICOut were trending on Twitter after the club missed out on Wolves star Adama Traore who has been a long-standing target but could now be on his way to Barcelona instead.
Spurs boss Conte has made it clear he wants reinforcements this month - and they have yet to land a big signing which has led to an underlying fear among fans that the combative Italian could quit unless he gets new players.
Vega still believes that Conte could get the squad into the top four, shares some sympathy over the difficulties of the transfer market but says the failings on the football side have been a long time coming.
Ex-Swiss international Vega said: “I can see the frustration in the fans and I’m part of that because we’ve got a potentially good manager, some good players in the squad but you need to add onto that to make that extra play to be in the top four.
“The fans can see that, anyone can see that, it’s obvious. But this has been building for three or four years. Now they are in a situation where they have to get rid of players, move them out, to get players in.
“The danger is always there with Conte. The guarantee is always there that a manager will be sacked or will leave. Conte got into this wanting a race horse but got a donkey. But if he walks away, then he will be weak and it’s the easy option to do it.
“If he manages to turn the donkey into a race horse, get them into top four, then he deserves all the respect as one of the great managers in the world.
“But you can’t fix it in one window. It’s like climbing a mountain without any mountain climbing gear. It’s a very difficult task.
“The club is very well run, look at the stadium, but then look at the football side of things. It’s clear that it has not had the success they want.
“The January market is incredibly difficult. You have to be very careful and this is why Spurs are in a difficult situation. They need to get rid of players.
“Look at Tanguy Ndombele, he cost an outrageous amount of money and now sits on the bench. Who would pay that salary? Knowing Daniel as well, he will want a big transfer fee as well.
“This isn’t a new thing. It’s been creeping up for three or four years and there has to be some accountability on the football side of things at the club.”
Spurs chairman Levy is under mounting pressure from fans who are demanding silverware and, after landing an elite manager, Conte is expecting the club to match his ambition.
It is hard to believe Conte would have taken the Spurs job without some sort of guarantees but Vega insists that is impossible for any manager.
Vega, who won the League Cup in his four years at Spurs, added: “I still think Tottenham can make fourth. Son is missing, he will come back, Kane has started the season slowly and if he gets his full squad then there will be a good opportunity.
“But Conte also had plenty of time to study what Spurs had, what he was inheriting and I don’t think you can give any manager any guarantees. The only guarantee is that every manager will get sacked or leave.”
