Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has criticised the state of the Hong Kong Stadium pitch ahead of his side's third-place playoff against South China.

Jan Vertonghen twisted his ankle in Wednesday's 3-1 loss to Sunderland in the Barclays Asia Trophy, and heavy downpours have damaged the pitch further.

Sunderland manager Paulo Di Canio has also voiced his concerns about the state of the "killer pitch", as has Manchester United manager David Moyes ahead of his side's visit to the city on Monday.

"If I can be sincere, I preferred not to go ahead but this is the reality we have to face," Villas-Boas told Sky Sports News. "We are professionals and have to stand up for this wonderful tournament.

"Unfortunately conditions haven't helped us and it is our responsibility if the authorities decide to go ahead."

Following Tottenham's third-place playoff, Sunderland face Manuel Pellegrini's Manchester City in the final of the tournament.