Source: Telegraph
Tottenham will do better in Champions League than Arsenal, says Jermain Defoe
Tottenham go into today's play-off draw aiming to reach Europe's top-level competition for the first time since 1961, while Arsenal share Real Madrid's record of 10 successive participations in the knockout stages.[LNB]But Defoe in unconcerned by the burden of history, saying: ''If we can get past the play-off qualifier, I honestly think we will go further than Arsenal in the Champions League.[LNB]''No disrespect to Arsenal, because they have a good record in the Champions League and for them it's become part of the furniture, part of their regular season it's the norm.[LNB]''But I can't wait to experience the buzz around White Hart Lane on European nights, the place will be absolutely rocking.[LNB]''I do believe, if we can make that first step, that we will be contenders. We've got the squad, younger players like Gareth Bale have come on a bundle since we were last in Europe, and the gaffer would love to show what he can do as a manager in Europe.''[LNB]Spurs' squad are not used to the increased workload of a Champions League campaign, with the first leg of the play-off following just days after the Barclays Premier League opener against Manchester City.[LNB]''With City first up followed by a Champions League qualifier, it feels like the business end of our campaign might be in the first few weeks,'' Defoe continued. ''It's a tough schedule, but we will be ready for it mentally.[LNB]''Tottenham fans have been waiting forever for a team to deliver Champions League football and we don't want to be one-hit wonders.''[LNB]
