Robinson confident over goalkeeping spot
Paul Robinson is confident of remaining Tottenham's first-choice
goalkeeper, with Juande Ramos promising to give his players every
chance to prove themselves before the transfer window opens.
Ramos admitted improvement is needed in all areas following the
unconvincing Carling Cup win over Blackpool but he has two months
before he can recruit players.
Robinson has made a series of mistakes this season but produced a
stunning save in Ramos' first game in charge, while also looking
shaky with his handling and kicking at times.
'We will see what happens and if he makes any signings,' said
Robinson. 'I am confident I am number one and that it will stay
that way.'
Goalkeeper Andres Palop and former Spurs striker Fredi Kanoute have
been linked with moves to White Hart Lane after their success under
Ramos at Sevilla but the new boss told Spanish newspaper AS that
signings were not on his mind.
'Neither from Sevilla or any other team,' he said. 'I have to know
what I have here.'
That could prove to work in Robinson's favour after a season where
he has been guilty of errors for Spurs and England.
The 28-year-old's form has been part of Spurs' dismal start to the
season where they have won once in the Premier League, but he has
seen a bit of confidence restored since Ramos took charge of team
affairs at the start of the week.
'We have been working defensively the last few days and trying to
shore up at the back,' he said.
'The clean sheet against Blackpool reflects that but we have a lot
more work to do.
'I think everyone saw a Tottenham team starting to get a bit of
confidence and play with a bit of freedom, that is the way the
manager wants us to play.'
Robinson and his team-mates were in for training on the morning of
the Blackpool game and Ramos comes with a reputation as a
disciplinarian.
A lack of stamina, however, has not been a factor behind their drop
into the relegation zone, according to Robinson.
'I don't think our fitness has been behind the disappointing start
to the season,' he said. 'There are a lot of factors that
contribute to a team losing.'
There has been off-the-pitch chaos since the start of the season
that has not helped either, and Spurs are still battling to win
back credibility following the messy manner of Martin Jol's
dismissal.
'You don't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, we needed
to make changes and they were made,' explained non-executive
director Sir Keith Mills.
Ramos has been drafted in and is already speaking to his players in
English.
'Juande has communicated very well, a lot better than people think
he can,' said Robinson.
'He has an aura and confidence about him and hopefully that will
breed through the team.'
The Spaniard admitted it was a good time to move clubs after
consecutive UEFA Cups, Champions League qualification but a string
of poor results this season.
'After some erratic games with Sevilla there was a certain unease
and I felt that the people were tired and that it was convenient to
have a change of air,' Ramos added in AS.
Ramos also comes with a reputation of attacking football using
width and he has also stated he wants to win with 'panache',
although he puts emphasis on having the right players.
'Systems do not win matches,' he said. 'You need to find a system
that will get the best out of the footballers.
'I want to see the team competing so that we can go on to improve
and change things.'
