André Villas-Boas has admitted he had "great ambitions" to win a trophy at Tottenham this season and dropped a heavy hint that his next job in management will not be in England.

Villas-Boas, speaking for the first time since his dismissal as Spurs manager earlier this month, said he was looking at "repositioning" his career after his two disappointing managerial spells in England.

"I wish I could have responded to the confidence shown by the fans with a trophy," Villas-Boas told the Portuguese newspaper O Jogo. "I had great ambitions to win a trophy this season."

With his reputation in England having taken a big hit, Villas-Boas looks set to be planning a return to management on the continent. The 36-year-old was not short of offers last summer. He rejected overtures from Paris St Germain and has recently been linked with AC Milan.

In the interview he refers to his time in England in the past tense and talks of "re-positioning" his career, suggesting that he will not be looking for a new post in the Premier League any time soon.

"This is a time of reflection for me and my staff and for repositioning of our careers," he said. "Nevertheless England was a great experience."

Meanwhile the Spurs midfielder Lewis Holtby believes Tim Sherwood and his coaching staff must be given time to adapt.

"The coaches who are in, they've only had a short time. It's not that easy for them to come in and show you a different style," he said. "We're trying to adapt that as quickly as we can and I think we're positive about the coming weeks. I think we can get there quickly.

"I think they've done a really good job coming in here in a very hectic period of the season and we just have to follow their lead and try to do everything they say."