Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte pleaded for patience from Spurs fans after they voiced their frustration during Sunday's 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United.
Although Spurs startled brightly, with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min denied by Nick Pope, Newcastle went into half-time 2-0 up.
Two Hugo Lloris errors proved costly, with Callum Wilson and the in-form Miguel Almiron getting the goals to leave Spurs stunned.
The home crowd booed their team vociferously at half-time and Conte's side were not much better after the break, even accounting for Kane's headed goal early in the second period.
Spurs never really looked like scoring thereafter as Newcastle confirmed the win that moved them up to fourth – just two points behind their third-placed hosts – in the Premier League.
It was a third defeat in five league games for Spurs, but Conte – who was at pains to point out key absences – is not panicking and wants supporters to look at the bigger picture.
Asked about the half-time jeers, Conte told Sky Sports: "The fans need to understand, we are doing our best in every moment, and also [against Newcastle] the commitment was really high.
"For sure, in this moment we have to face a difficult moment for us because when you don't have three or four players in the squad, you are in trouble.
"We have to manage this situation and overcome it together. Without four players, this squad doesn't have the [depth] to lose four players at the moment.
"I always said before starting this second path [season], the important teams, the teams who will fight for the title, you'll see the team during this period when you play every three days. You need to have a deep squad, a strong squad with great quality.
"I think we have only just started our process last season. From [Europa] Conference League, we are now playing in the Champions League."
Patience was the main theme of Conte's lengthy interview, and while the Italian acknowledged Spurs are going through something of a slump, he also feels they are generally doing well.
"We're trying to improve our situation step by step, but you need time and patience," he continued. "These must be very clear for everybody.
"I want to be honest. With my experience, I continue to tell we are doing well – it's a bad situation but we need the time and patience, and to have these kinds of problems in order to understand how to overcome them in the future.
"If we played one game every six or seven days, I think we could fight for something important. To play every three days, I think we have to continue to build our path and have patience, don't be disappointed too much because, I repeat, if someone thinks we can invent the win and do a miracle… We need to continue to work.
"You have to understand we are in a process, and we have just started the process. If someone doesn't want to listen, it's not my problem."
Ukraine appoint former Tottenham and West Ham striker Serhiy Rebrov as new boss
Serhiy Rebrov, the former Tottenham and West Ham striker, has been appointed as head coach of Ukraine.
The 49-year-old has enjoyed a varied managerial career, with spells in charge of Dinamo Kyiv, Al-Ahli, Ferencvaros and most recently Al-Ain.
Former Ukraine striker Rebrov, who won 75 caps as a player, has now taken the reins of his national team on a deal until 2026.
Ukrainian Football Association chief Andriy Pavelko said: “This is a long-awaited event. A new stage in the history of Ukrainian football.
“A special moment, since the new page will be written during martial law, in a special period for our country.”
Rebrov takes charge of a Ukraine side looking to kickstart their Euro 2024 qualification hopes having lost their opener against England in March.
Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scored in a 2-0 win at Wembley, where the visitors were managed by interim boss Ruslan Rotan.
Rebrov’s first game will be at North Macedonia next Friday, before playing Malta three days later – a match that will be hosted in Trnava, Slovakia due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Pavelko added: “We will expect from our national team, a game that will please Ukrainian fans.”
Football rumours: Tottenham eye move for Harry Maguire in bid to keep Harry Kane
What the papers say
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, 30, has emerged as a target for Tottenham, according to The Daily Telegraph. The London club are hoping the signing could help persuade his England colleague Harry Kane to stay at the club as big-name clubs line up for his signature.
Maguire is one of eight players United are looking to move on this summer, reports the Daily Mirror. Striker Anthony Martial, 27, Scott McTominay, 26, fellow midfielder Fred, 30, and goalkeeper Dean Henderson, 26, are also on the list, along with defenders Eric Bailly, 29, Alex Telles, 30, and Brandon Williams, 22.
Brighton want more than £70 million for Manchester United target Moises Caicedo, says The Daily Telegraph. Chelsea and Arsenal are also chasing the 21-year-old Ecuador midfielder.
Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, 32, is wanted by two clubs in Saudi Arabia, according to The Guardian. Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr are keen on the France star with annual salary offers which could reach £86.2 million.
Social media round-upPlayers to watch
Levi Colwill: The Daily Mail reports Brighton are considering an increased bid of around £40 million for the Chelsea defender, who spent last season on loan at The Seagulls.
Gabri Veiga: Chelsea have joined Liverpool and Barcelona in tracking the Celta Vigo midfielder, 21, who has a £34.4 million release clause, says The Guardian.
Steve Cotterill leaves role as Shrewsbury manager
Steve Cotterill has left his role as manager of Shrewsbury.
The 58-year-old had already said his position at the club was uncertain and the Shrews have now confirmed his departure.
A statement read: “The club would like to place on record their thanks to Steve for all his hard work and commitment during the last two and a half years, taking us from a relegation place in League One to 12th in the table and also for working from his hospital bed during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Cotterill guided the club to 12th in League One last season and spent 49 days at the Bristol Royal Infirmary after contracting Covid and developing pneumonia in 2021.
Cotterill, who joined the club in November 2020, released a statement though the League Managers’ Association.
“I’m proud of the work that has been done by everyone in the past two and a half years at the club,” he said. “From fighting relegation to a top-half finish. I am confident this team will continue its progression next season.
“Working through Covid was tough and I have to thank my incredible staff for their help throughout.
“I would also like to thank the players. It is a fantastic group that gave me absolutely everything, right up to the last game of the season. The relationship I had with them was very special.”
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