Antonio Conte believes that no manager can solve Tottenham’s problems quickly, and the Italian has considered the club’s lack of stability a recurring problem for decades.
The former Chelsea and Inter manager took over from Spurs in November after Nuno Espírito Santo was sacked and has suffered some varied forms since joining the club.
Exceptional highs, such as a Harry Kane-led attack on Premier League champions Manchester City, were followed by humiliating dips, such as a miserable defeat for Burnley.
A midweek match for Middlesbrough in the FA Cup has now confirmed another season is empty-handed, while their inconsistency means a Champions League spot could also be an opportunity.
While Conte insists he never had any illusions about the task, he says he believes there was never a quick fix for the club, no coach could change his story absolutely.
“Of course I don’t like being upside down,” he said ahead of the team’s game against Everton on Monday. “I’ve always said that since day one, when I arrived.
“Tottenham’s story is this, a lot of ups and downs, but to be competitive, try to win something, try to fight for something important and become a strong team, the first thing that has to be done is to be stable and that avoids ups.” and dips and dips.
“Doing that and changing situations like this that have been happening at Tottenham for many, many years is not easy.
“In a short time it’s impossible to do, not only for me, but I think any coach or coach can come in and change history in a second. That’s the history of this club for the last 20 years – especially when this club has been in such a situation for 20 years.”
More than a turn of luck is at stake for Tottenham against Frank Lampard’s Toffees in north London, where Conte wants to avoid an unwanted record.
Spurs have lost their last two league games at home, most recently three consecutive home games between May and September 2008 under Juande Ramos – that would be Conte’s first advantage.
However, the Italian can hope that not only has he never lost to Everton, but that he has never conceded a goal in five Premier League games.
Only Roberto Mancini has faced another opponent without his team conceding a single goal in the competition’s history (seven games against Wigan Athletic).