Friday, August 24, 2007

Defiant Jol vows to stay at Spurs

Tottenham manager Martin Jol insists he is happy in his job despite a turbulent week which led to reports that the club were considering his future.

Spurs this week denied a claim from Sevilla coach Juande Ramos that he had rejected a "dizzying" offer to replace Jol at White Hart Lane.

"I feel comfortable if people let me be and if I can do my work," said Jol.

"They will do that because the chairman said he was 100% behind me. I feel I am the man capable of bringing success."

News conference: Tottenham boss Martin Jol

Jol admitted it had "not been the best of weeks" but said the support of the Spurs fans had been important to him.

"Supporters can give you a very good feeling and that is what you need," Jol added on BBC Radio 5live.

"At this club I am not on my own because I have players who want to work for us and fans who like to watch us. I have 5,000-6,000 e-mails so in one way I had a very good week."

Jol's future had come under scrutiny after the defeats to Sunderland and Everton in the opening two games of the season following a busy summer in the transfer market.

A 4-0 victory over Derby last weekend seemed to ease the pressure until Ramos' claim during the week.

Spurs denied making any offer and stated that Jol's job is safe, though the club stressed it expects Champions League football.

"It is not a nice thing to hear that the club had approached Ramos but I know that continuity and stability is the word," added Jol.

"I know this business, there are always people that want instant success. My board want instant success and I am the man capable of doing that.

"I can't deny it, it's always disappointing if they doubt some things and they shouldn't do that but that is the business. There are lots of other people with more difficult jobs on their hands.

"If there is something and they want to change managers, sit down with me and talk to me and I could go to another Champions League club.

"But I want to stay here and I want to work with these guys because I feel we have a lot of talent.

"It would be a worrying time for anyone else to come to Spurs and try and get into the top four. It will be a hell of a job but I have the confidence that I can do that."

Source: BBC Sport

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