Jan Vertonghen still believes Tottenham have a chance of finishing in the top four this season, although he concedes it is a huge ask.
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Spurs are desperate to return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2010-11 campaign, when they defeated the likes of Inter Milan to reach the quarterfinals.
However, a 4-0 defeat at Chelsea on Sunday has left them four points off fourth-placed Manchester City, who have played three games less than Tim Sherwood’s side.
Vertonghen, 26, is aware Tottenham need to produce something special between now and the end of the season, but as long as it remains possible, he is refusing to give up hope.
"Is it over and out for the Champions League now? I'll never say that, but it's going to be hard," he said.
Vertonghen was to blame for Chelsea’s opener at the weekend, as he slipped before diverting a pass straight to Samuel Eto’o, who was then able to finish past Hugo Lloris.
"I slipped away and thought [Andre] Schuerrle could take the ball," Vertonghen said. "That's why I tried to slide the ball to the goalkeeper.
"But accidentally, it seemed to be the perfect assist for Eto'o. It was the beginning of a hard night."
Vertonghen had to fill in at left-back against the Blues due to an injury to Danny Rose, and the Belgium international added: "I was told on Friday. The coach decided to use this tactic, so I listened and did my best."