While the Spurs created some good chances in an improved performance after Saturday’s loss to Arsenal, Conte’s front line failed to fire.
Harry Kane and Heung-min Son were guilty of wasting opportunities as the team continues to suffer from Dejan Kulusevski’s absence.
The Italian called an unchanged starting line-up despite Saturday’s loss, leaving Yves Bissouma, Matt Doherty and Djed Spence on the bench after questioning the trio in recent weeks. Richarlison, meanwhile, proved careless in possession and Bryan Gil – a player who was loaned out to Valencia last season – was called in in the last ten minutes.
Conte’s own record in elite European club competition has been called into question and the former manager of Inter Milan, Juventus and Chelsea insisted the Spurs needed more transfer windows to be in a position from which to impress on the biggest stage.
“We were unable to enter two leagues last season,” said Conte.
“Now we have to go step by step, be patient, take time, you have to have time and build an important squad to face a competition like the Champions League.
“If you think ‘yes, I want to do some rotations’ and it’s a little hard.
“We know this situation with the club and the club knows very well that we need time and patience to try step by step. I was talking about the transfer market, that we needed more transfer markets to reach a good level. We know this, at the same time we want to be competitive, try to do everything.”