Jol: I'll still be here in six weeks
Jol retains the support of much of the Spurs' faithful
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Monday, 17, Sep 2007 11:05
Under-fire Tottenham manager Martin Jol has hit back at claims that the weekend derby defeat to Arsenal may trigger the White Hart Lane board to renew their reported interest in Sevilla coach Juande Ramos.
Reports in several papers suggested the Dutchman has just six games to produce a marked rise in his team's current Premier League standing of 17th and that failure would result in him being replaced during the next round of international matches.
As well as taking on Greek side Anorthosis Famagusta twice in the Uefa Cup, Spurs face Aston Villa, Bolton and Middlesbrough in the league before traveling to play Liverpool on October 7th immediately before the break.
"I'm not hurting inside. I will try to get the results and as long as the players show me the commitment they showed me again, there is no problem," the 51-year-old said.
"People said in 2005 I was going to be out of a job but I am still here. So I think I will be here in six weeks.
"I feel there are two worlds here in London. There are you guys [journalists] and then there are the supporters who read your papers.
"Although they read your papers, they're still backing me. That's a great feeling. I don't think the board is a problem. I tell them all the time what's wrong. We speak about players and talk about the team."
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy released a statement offering some support to his manger after defeats in their opening two games of the season sparked frenzied speculation over his future.
Sevilla are currently in north London this week to prepare for their Champions League meeting with Arsenal, prompting more rumours that Ramos may be approached this week to sound out the possibility of his succeeding Jol.