Source: Team_Talk
Keller issues Spurs warning
Kasey Keller has warned Tottenham it is time to decide whether they are serious about gatecrashing the top four.[LNB] The former Spurs keeper has been watching on from afar as all the optimism generated by a superb run in last season's Champions League has threatened to evaporate.[LNB]Not only did Harry Redknapp's men fail to retain a place in Europe's elite club competition, now star man Luka Modric is demanding a move to Chelsea.[LNB]So far, Tottenham have resisted.[LNB]However, Keller expects Modric to get his way eventually, which would merely confirm his old club's status as sellers.[LNB]"Spurs have had this problem for years," said Keller.[LNB]"I don't see Manchester City selling their players to rivals. Manchester United don't do it.[LNB]"Maybe Arsenal are a little bit different but their fans are upset about that.[LNB]"If you want to be one of the big boys you have to act like it."[LNB]To Keller that means retaining your top players and adding to them.[LNB]During his three seasons at White Hart Lane in the early 1990s, the 41-year-old got used to star men being sold on.[LNB]It was still happening three years ago when Dimitar Berbatov went to Manchester United and if Modric does end up at Stamford Bridge, it would appear nothing much has changed.[LNB]"Your best players should want to stay," he said.[LNB]"They should not want to leave because they know they are going to be challenging for trophies.[LNB]"Tottenham have to reach that stage. At some point they must make a decision.[LNB]"Are they going to honestly and truly compete with these teams or are they just going to hope it all comes together at the right time and challenge for a year or two."[LNB]Keller is crossing his fingers Tottenham have the ambition.[LNB]Unfortunately, the veteran keeper, who is expected to feature for the Seattle Sounders in their friendly against Manchester United on Wednesday, believes history is against it.[LNB]"They have been in this position for the past 20 or 30 years," he argued.[LNB]"You can't cut corners and expect to compete at the highest level.[LNB]"You can't sell your top players if you want to compete with teams that don't.[LNB]"History says of course they will sell Modric. He will get mad enough and finally someone will give them a number that they can't turn down.[LNB]"Until that changes, everyone thinks that is what will happen."[LNB]
