Source: Daily_Mail
We're not too good to go down, Defoe warns Spurs strugglers
Jermain Defoe has warned Tottenham [LNB]risk being 'found out' if the players assume they are too good to be relegated this season. [LNB]After Tuesday's win over Stoke lifted them three points clear of the Premier League's bottom three, Spurs face another crucial game at Bolton, who like Harry Redknapp's side have 24 points. [LNB]Defoe has made a fine start to his second spell at White Hart Lane, scoring three goals in the five appearances he has made since rejoining from Portsmouth in a £15.75million deal. [LNB][LNB] Realistic: Defoe has told his team-mates they will have to battle all the way[LNB]But even though winger Aaron Lennon claimed Spurs could still push for a UEFA Cup spot this term, Defoe thinks the club should be more concerned about the other end of the table. [LNB]'We've got a real job to do,' said the 26-year-old. 'In the Premier League, I've never known a season like this. There are a number of good sides down at the bottom of the table, and long gone are the days when reputation alone would be enough to save you. [LNB]'It's like anything in life, if you're not good enough, you're going to get found out, and we've seen it more and more in recent years with supposedly big clubs really struggling.' [LNB]With Spurs ready to defend the Carling Cup in the final against Manchester United on March 1, and the club into the last 32 of the UEFA Cup, they still have an excellent chance of silverware this season - although Premier League survival remains the priority. [LNB]Strike partner: Russian Pavlyuchenko[LNB] Defoe added: 'There will be a few twists and turns to come, but you look at the quality in the dressing room and we know we have the ability to make this a very memorable season. Next year will be the big one, we're sure, but there's a huge job to do first.'[LNB] Against Bolton, Defoe will again play in attack alongside Roman Pavlyuchenko, with Redknapp also set to hand starts to defender Pascal Chimbonda - who rejoined the club this week six months after moving to Sunderland in a £3m deal -– and midfielder Wilson Palacios, a £14m signing from Wigan. [LNB]The 3-1 victory over Stoke eased the strain on a Spurs side who had not won in the League since the start of December and have already lost seven times on their travels this season. [LNB]Defoe insists it is important for the players to be fired up for trips such as Bolton and not to 'over-analyse' the poor performances. [LNB]He said: 'I like pressure, much more than I used to. I've had almost 10 years to get used to it and I'm there now, but it isn't easy when you're first starting out on the road to fulfilling your dream. [LNB]'Even now, the lead-up to the game is always much worse than the match itself. There's so much time in training and in the hotel, and it's not difficult to over-analyse the situation. [LNB]'That's when it becomes counterproductive. When you're out onto the pitch is really when you're most at peace. You need that fire in your belly and there is always another goal to aim for, whether that's getting Spurs in the top four or scoring for England again.' [LNB] EXCLUSIVE: Premier League plea to close the window as Given and N'Zogbia want out of Toon[LNB]Your football betting guide for the weekend - with Lee Wagers[LNB]Palacios ready to earn his Spurs after revealing he nearly signed up for Arsenal[LNB]Spurs give up on Keane after Liverpool tell them they want their £20.3m fee back in full[LNB]Liverpool lodge complaint to Premier League over Spurs for 'tapping up' Keane[LNB]TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB] [LNB]
