Spurs won’t crack under the pressure, says Defoe
JERMAIN DEFOE insists Tottenham will not crack under the pressure of a top-four charge as they enter a crucial stage of the season.
Harry Redknapp’s men currently lie fourth in the table, but a run of five games in the next 16 days, starting with the visit of London rivals Fulham to White Hart Lane tonight, threatens to derail their challenge.
Spurs have stuttered to draws against Hull in the league and Leeds in the FA Cup these last two weeks, but Defoe insists his side are in good shape for the busy schedule ahead.
“That is part and parcel of playing at the top level, you are going to get that pressure,” the England striker said. “We’ve set that standard now and especially playing at home, teams are going to sit in and make it difficult for us. The spirit has always been good but at this stage it’s important to stay focused. I truly believe everything will be okay.”
Meanwhile, Defoe’s strike partner Roman Pavlyuchenko’s intended move out of White Hart Lane could be complicated by a groin injury suffered in Saturday’s game with Leeds.
The Russian scored in the 2-2 draw but said: “I don’t think that goal will change anything. In any case, I hope it doesn’t stop me leaving Tottenham.”