Source: Daily_Mail
We're no bottlers: Defoe insists Spurs will maintain top-four challenge
Jermain Defoe insists Tottenham will not bottle their Barclays Premier League top-four challenge as they reach a crucial point of the season.[LNB]Spurs are currently fourth in the table and have five games in the next 16 days, starting with the midweek visit of Fulham to White Hart Lane.[LNB]Defeat at Liverpool last week, along with draws against Hull and Leeds, have raised questions whether Harry Redknapp's side will sustain their campaign for Champions League football.[LNB] Leading the pack: Jermain Defoe (centre) hopes Tottenham can keep one step ahead of Liverpool and the rest of the teams pursuing fourth spot[LNB]'That is part and parcel of playing at the top level,' said Defoe on Sky Sports News. 'You are going to get that pressure. We've set that standard now and especially playing at home, teams are going to sit in and make it difficult for us.[LNB]'It's important to keep focused. The spirit has always been good but at this stage it's important to stay focused. I truly believe everything will be okay.'[LNB]Defoe, when asked if the next games could define Spurs' season, added: 'I think that's right. It is a lot of games but if you prepare right it should be okay.[LNB]'We've got a great squad with players who can come in and produce performances so it's important to prepare right. It's a massive game against Fulham, they are a good team with a great manager. Hopefully we can get three points.'[LNB] Signing off? Pavlyuchenko celebrates his goal against Leeds[LNB]Defoe sympathises with Roman Pavlyuchenko, who has found his opportunities limited at Spurs. Defoe found himself down the pecking order before moving to Portsmouth and returning to Spurs as first choice.[LNB]Pavlyuchenko scored in the FA Cup draw against Leeds but has a groin strain ahead of the Fulham game.[LNB]He added: 'It's difficult. It's important to stay professional. At times when you are not playing it is difficult.[LNB]'I can understand that. When I wasn't in the team at Spurs it was difficult. You wake up in the morning and feel there is nothing to prepare for. When you are playing you come to training and prepare right, you're happy and buzzing.[LNB]'It must be difficult for Pav. He hasn't figured much this season and to be honest he came on and did well to get the goal against Leeds.'[LNB] He came, he saw, he strained his groin and still Roman Pavlyuchenko wants out of TottenhamTOTTENHAM v Fulham: Roman Pavlyuchenko struggling to make derby clashTottenham 2 Leeds 2: Hero Beckford makes Spurs pay in late penalty dramaSpurs and Hammers lose out as Van Nistelrooy heads to HamburgTOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC
