Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has explained why he feels Tottenham will struggle to qualify for the Champions League this season.
Antonio Conte's side currently sit in fifth place, two points behind fourth-placed Manchester United. Goals from Emi Buendia and Douglas Luiz ensured Spurs lost 2-0 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday in what was a poor performance from the Lilywhites.
Speaking after the game, Conte was asked if finishing in the top four will be difficult. "But for the financial of the club, I continue to repeat that last season we made a miracle, I continue to repeat," he said.
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"It happen why? Because we played only one competition and we play with 12 to 13 players and they didn't have injuries in the last 15 games and we played with best players every game because, I repeat, we played only the league. Don't forget three games to go Arsenal were four points than us and that we finished 20 points less from Manchester City and we did a miracle, but I knew which was the situation."
He added: "People think you arrive and you win. This can happen for a team that are 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've been patient for a long time', I understand it but the situation is this. If you want the truth I can tell you the truth."
Judging by his comments, Conte clearly feels the Spurs squad needs strengthening in order to have a chance of qualifying for Europe's top competition. In the meantime, former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has given a brutal three-word verdict on the Lilywhites.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "Spurs can't defend." Tottenham have conceded 25 goals in the Premier League this season and have regularly had to come from behind to win games.
Next up for Spurs is Crystal Palace on Wednesday and Conte will certainly be hoping his players can defend better than they did against Aston Villa.
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