AVB: Europe no distraction

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas is confident their Europa League heroics will not be a distraction as they prepare to face West Ham in the Premier League in Monday night's clash.

Last Updated: 25/02/13 at 19:12 Post Comment   

Andre Villas-Boas: Confident Spurs can focus on Premier League after win over Ly

Andre Villas-Boas: Confident Spurs can focus on Premier League after win over Ly

A last-gasp goal from Mousa Dembele in midweek secured a 3-2 aggregate win over Lyon to set up a last-16 encounter with Inter Milan.

But Villas-Boas believes they have the mental aptitude to refocus their attentions on domestic matters as they look to re-establish their four-point lead over North London rivals Arsenal.

"We've been having some great, great results," he said.

"After Europa League games we've always been good in the Premier League. I think it puts us in a good position to face West Ham.

"I don't think it's a distraction, I think it's an inspiration and I hope it can be exactly that against West Ham."

Dembele also believes the confidence gained by performing well in Europe and in the Premier League has boosted confidence in the camp.

"We don't have to fear any team. People have respect for us. If you're in a winning mood it's important in the league," he said.

"We have two more very important games coming up in the league (against West Ham then at home to Arsenal on 3 March) so the confidence will stay high and that's good for us."

Dembele is ready for a physical scrap against the Hammers, a team he recognises they may struggle to break down.

"It will be a different game to the Lyon one of course," he added.

"Teams always have a lot of respect for us and they drop back so it's always difficult, but I think we need to do the difference, we have to fight for each other as well.

"It will be a physical game, for sure, but we are used to it and this is a special match for us and the supporters too because it is a derby."

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m absolutely disgusted that I've been misquoted in saying that if a chance came up to join Arsenal I would be interested. What I meant to say is if Man United or Chelsea were interested......

gulliver
Agent cools Benteke exit talk

L

FC league positions and points from last 4 seasons - 7 (61), 8 (52), 6 (58), 7 (63). Werner calls it progress, I call it mid table stability.

kolev_lfc
Reds progress delights Werner

I

s there a PR agency covering Begovich, Odemwingie, Steven Fletcher and Grant Holt or something? Why would you offer a quote like that without having been announced by either club. #headsshoulderskneesandtoesgone

Havelange
Begovic hints at Liverpool move

Footer 365

Champions League final: Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp says side can bounce back

Jurgen Klopp is backing Borussia Dortmund to reach another Champions League final despite their defeat to Bayern Munich.

Champions League final: Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben relieved by Wembley win

Bayern Munich hero Arjen Robben admitted winning the UEFA Champions League buried his previous demons.

Champions League final: Mats Hummels salutes Bayern Munich after Wembley win

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels admitted Bayern Munich deserved to be crowned champions of Europe.

Mail Box

Wayne Rooney Is Just An Average Athlete

That's the difference between him and someone like Cristiano Ronaldo - his body just isn't right. We have mails on him, Sparky, Brendan Rodgers and the Europa Lge...

Saving The Europa League And More...

Nice one UEFA, but not far enough. We have some ideas to make the Europa League better as well as more views on Wayne Rooney, Vermaelen in midfield and...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved