Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

• Nickname:Spurs
• Founded:1882
• Manager:André Villas-Boas

• Ground:White Hart Lane
• Capacity:36240

Ramos denies cup distraction

23 Oct 2008 - 08:15:05

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Tottenham boss Juande Ramos has dismissed reports that the UEFA Cup is an unwanted distraction following his side's dismal start to the Premier League season.

Spurs are currently bottom of the table after failing to win any of their eight opening league games in their worst start to a season since 1912.

But Ramos has denied reports that Sunday's Premier League meeting with Bolton Wanderers is more important that Thursday's UEFA Cup clash with Italian side Udinese.

"Both competitions are important," claimed Ramos. "The most important is the UEFA Cup because this is our next game.

"On Friday, the most important is the Premier League."

Meanwhile, Ramos has admitted he is struggling for defensive options for the trip to Italy as Vedran Corluka is cup-tied and Ledley King's long-running knee problem requires rest.

"The problem with the UEFA Cup is that it is not possible to play Corluka and Ledley King," he continued.

"We only have Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Dawson as alternatives and we need to think in both competitions.

"Corluka can only play in the Premier League so we have to play him in that competition.

"On Sunday, if it is possible to play Ledley will, but he needs 10 days to recover.

"We use the players in the best condition. It is impossible to play the same team, it depends on injuries and suspensions."