Kane meets Hoddle: Tottenham striker opens up on relationship with Mourinho and admits European football is a must for Spurs

"Stay patient."

That was Harry Kane's message to long-suffering Spurs fans when the Tottenham striker joined BT Sport's Glenn Hoddle in the wake of a welcome derby-day win over Arsenal. 

It's been a struggle for Kane and Tottenham alike since the Premier League restart and there's no letting up as they prepare to travel to Newcastle live on BT Sport 1HD from 5.30pm on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old has looked understandably rusty having spent the past six months on the sidelines recovering from a ruptured hamstring and Tottenham's form has suffered as a result.

Prior to Sunday's 2-1 victory over their north London rivals, Spurs didn't manage a shot on target in a dismal goalless draw at relegation-threatened Bournemouth. 

Kane has played every single minute since the restart, netting twice in five appearances so far, but the England skipper has higher standards than that. 

Europe remains a realistic target but the striker is well aware things have slipped for a side that were competing in the final of the Champions League just 12 months ago.

"This year's been disappointing for us as players and we're not where we want to be as a club and I know the fans are disappointed by that, too," he told Hoddle.

"It's been a great six years, with five consecutive years of Champions League football - but it's not going to be perfect every season.  

"Unfortunately that's football, but the most important thing now is to turn it around and let everyone know we're working as hard as possible to do that."

The reality is that it would be a disaster for the club to miss out on European football altogether next season.

Victory over Arsenal keeps Spurs in the hunt for a Europa League place, but the race is hotting up with Wolves, Sheffield United and the Gunners all jostling for two spots.

Asked by Hoddle whether the club needs European football, Kane was unequivocal.

"Absolutely," he said.

"It would be a real shame if a club like us - especially with the past five or six years we've had - to not be playing in Europe. It would be a huge disappointment.

"We know how much it means to the club, fans and the players to be playing in Europe."

Last June's appearance in the Champions League final was one of the club's greatest achievements, but it still wasn't enough to save Mauricio Pochettino's job as the Argentinian was sacked in November following a slow start to the season.

Kane has previously admitted he was left shellshocked by the dismissal, but now he is determined to build a trophy-winning bond with Jose Mourinho.

"They're definitely two different styles of manager, but it's been great," said Kane.

"Obviously we've had a long period where I was out injured doing rehab, having to watch the team from the sidelines and we've had a long time to get to know each other with Covid-19.

"We've built up a good relationship and we talk very often.

"He wants to win, he's here to win. Obviously there are no trophies to play for this season but next season that's his aim.

"Everything is about winning and he's made that clear.

"There have been times where we haven't played well but we've won the game and at the end of the day three points is the most important thing. 

"I think he's looking forward, going into next season, having a bit more time to work with the boys in pre-season and getting to know them more. 

"He's great to work under and it's another opportunity for me to learn off one of the best managers in the world, so I'm taking it all in and learning as fast as I can."

Kane is obsessed with personal development.

He knows how far away from every individual milestone he is, so much so he tracks his goalscoring progress compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's at his age. 

Having been a constant fixture in the side since the restart, Kane bristles at suggestions he is struggling to find full match sharpness.

"Personally, I felt good from game one," Kane added.

"I feel good. I look at my numbers every day in terms of GPS stats and from the Man United game when I came back to now, they've been pretty similar and even higher than my average before I got injured.

"It's pleasing for me to know that I've taken up another level and it's given me more time to focus on other things, treatment wise.

"I'm in a good place. As long as I'm feeling fit and healthy that's the important thing so I can help the team."

With just three games to go, Tottenham need Kane back to his best, and fast. 

Tune into BT Sport 1HD this Wednesday from 5.30pm to watch Spurs continue their quest for European football against Steve Bruce's Newcastle.