Chadli has Reds in his sights

14 February 2014 11:46

Nacer Chadli wants to help Tottenham usurp Liverpool in the top four after turning down the chance to move away from the club in January.

Spurs remain hot on the heels of Brendan Rodgers' in-form side after a thumping 4-0 victory at Newcastle on Wednesday.

Summer arrival Chadli netted his first Premier League goal in the St James' Park rout and wants Tim Sherwood's fifth-placed side to keep pushing for a Champions League berth.

"We are not looking at first or second place, we are just looking at the team in front of us, Liverpool," the 25-year-old told reporters.

"We have to keep playing like we did at Newcastle and keep going in every game for 100 per cent to get the three points. With five games to go, we will see where we are.

"We are not looking to go above Chelsea. We are looking at Liverpool, who are directly above us and we have to go there in a few weeks, so that will be a big examination.

"We are within touching distance of the top. We have had a good week, but in one week everything can happen, everything can change.

"We can be up or we can be down, so we have to stay alert and play our game like we did at Newcastle, although I would say everything is possible this season.

"It is a very different league this season, because a lot of teams are taking points off each other and are playing at around the same level."

Chadli's fine strike after coming off the bench at Newcastle added extra gloss to the scoreline - and Spurs will hope it acts as a catalyst for the winger.

The Belgium international has struggled for form after arriving at White Hart Lane from FC Twente in the summer.

Last month Chadli had the opportunity to go on loan to Swansea for the remainder of the campaign, but turned down the move with the intention of proving his worth to the north Londoners.

"It was a possibility, but it is in the past," he said. "I had to make a decision and my decision was to stay.

"Everything was not clear so I wanted to stay at Tottenham and play for my club. I have signed for five years here and I'm happy.

"When I came to Spurs, I knew I wasn't going to play in every game as we have 60 matches in a season.

"I came and got injured, played, got injured again and so I haven't played as much as I have wanted, but we have a big squad with a lot of good players and we have to compete with each other. I have to work hard in training and show it when I play."

Source: PA