Jol sticks to his guns

14 April 2012

Martin Jol today vowed that he would not change his footballing philosophy in the pursuit of results.

The Tottenham coach has adopted a more adventurous approach since replacing Jacques Santini earlier this month, with Michael Carrick being given a chance in midfield and Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Frederic Kanoute being unleashed up front, but improved performances have not yet yielded any points.

Spurs have conceded eight goals in two Premiership games under their new coach and are looking to avoid a sixth straight league defeat at Aston Villa tonight, but Jol will not change his ways.

"I think we are better with the slight changes we have made but we have to prove it with results," he said. "I always want to play football from the back and with an attacking midfielder, whether it is home or away.

"After four months under the new regime I wanted to change our style a bit. I can't criticise Jacques Santini for the way he played at the start of the season, because it was the right way to begin, but we had reached a dead-end street and I wanted to change it."

Jol's appointment has undoubtedly revitalised the club's attacking play, with Tottenham scoring six goals in thrilling defeats to Charlton and Arsenal having scored just twice in their previous seven Premiership matches. The Dutchman believes that his strikeforce is his greatest asset and has tipped Defoe to match the sensational scoring exploits of Arjen Robben.

The England striker has scored five goals in his last five games for Spurs and can look forward to enjoying plenty of possession at Villa Park tonight.

Jol said: "I still think we can play good football because we have the best strikers in England. Villa have some talented individuals and it will be another tough test for us but I believe we have to play to our strengths and that is our strikers.

"Nobody knew Robben and he is a living phenomenon. I don't think there is another like him but Defoe is a terrific player so if we give him the ball more he could be somebody who scores two goals every game."

Jol will welcome back winger Thimothee Atouba to his squad but is still without midfielder Sean Davis, who is recovering from a knee operation. Ledley King should shake off a knee problem but Anthony Gardner is missing again with a foot injury and Calum Davenport is expected to take his place in the squad for the first time following his return from a loan spell at West Ham. Villa captain Gareth Barry is out with a knee injury so boss David O'Leary will choose between Thomas Hitzlsperger and Peter Whittingham for the left-wing berth.

O'Leary said: "It is a straight choice between Thomas and Whittingham on the left. Whittingham has played well and it could easily turn the other way very quickly. There is not much in it.

"Thomas is coming to terms with second-season syndrome and the big factor of expectation. People know he's a better player after what he has shown before and are expecting more of him."

Aston Villa v Tottenham, Villa Park, tonight 8pm (live, Sky Sports 1)

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David Jones (Footballer)

Jol sticks to his guns

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