Source: Team_Talk
Sergio targets goal at Spurs
Hearts boss Paulo Sergio believes his side will have to score at White Hart Lane to have any hope of ousting Tottenham from the Europa League.[LNB] Hearts and Spurs have been drawn to play each other in the Europa League play-off, the first leg taking place at Tynecastle on August 18 and the second a week later in north London.[LNB]Sergio, who met Spurs boss Harry Redknapp while he was in charge of Sporting Lisbon, knows all about Hearts' European rivals, but is undaunted.[LNB]He said: "They have very good players, talented players and he (Redknapp) has a big history behind him in English football. I respect him a lot.[LNB]"But I'm sure when he started, like me, he didn't have that number of victories and history with him.[LNB]"I want to make my way and maybe I can be successful against Tottenham, against Mr Redknapp."[LNB]Travelling for the second leg is also not a concern to Sergio, whose first match in charge was last night's 4-1 defeat of Hungary's Paks which secured Hearts' passage into the next round.[LNB]He added: "It's the same. I think it's going to be important to score away."[LNB]Sergio sought the advice of former Rangers midfielder Pedro Mendes before moving to the SPL.[LNB]Mendes is also familiar with Redknapp, having played under him at Portsmouth and Tottenham.[LNB]Sergio added: "I'm sure Pedro can give me some idea of what Harry used to do, but Harry can talk to Pedro too and ask about me."[LNB]Sergio was keen to turn attentions to Sunday's SPL clash at Motherwell and insisted he would be unhappy if any player thought about Spurs too soon.[LNB]He added: "Maybe if someone makes that (mistake) he doesn't play against Tottenham.[LNB]"The important thing right now is Motherwell."[LNB]Sergio's knowledge of Motherwell has been garnered from watching DVDs this week and his only moments of rest since being appointed has been going out for dinner.[LNB]Injuries are a concern, with Stephen Elliott (hamstring) the latest to be ruled out of Sunday's match.[LNB]Sergio does not anticipate dipping into the transfer market just yet, but he believes Hearts must if they are to fulfil owner Vladimir Romanov's ambition of winning the SPL.[LNB]Sergio is unfazed by Romanov's stated aim.[LNB]He added: "It's not a pressure for me. I can try to do that, if he helps me.[LNB]"I don't feel any problem with that.[LNB]"We want that challenge."[LNB]As a result of the Europa League first-leg fixture, Hearts' SPL match at Kilmarnock has been delayed by 24 hours until Sunday, August 21.
