Defeat against Cypriots is unthinkable for Jol

MARTIN JOL is unlikely to make radical changes to his starting side as he looks for UEFA Cup victory against Anorthosis Famagusta to kick-start Tottenham’s season.

The first-round clash at White Hart Lane against the unfancied Cypriots would normally offer the chance to rotate his squad, but defeat is unthinkable for Jol after one win this season.

The Dutchman also hopes that Dimitar Berbatov can use the European platform as he did last season and spark a goalscoring run to turn Spurs’ season around.

“It could be an opportunity to change the team but I can’t gamble because we still have to work as a team and gel together,” said the Spurs boss.

Jol has appeared as a man under pressure but Spurs have an identical record to the start of last season when they recovered to finish fifth in the Premier League – the difference this campaign being the expectation to compete for a top-four place.

It was victory against Slavia Prague at this stage last season that started a two-month unbeaten run, this time around they face the team coached by former Newcastle favourite Temuri Ketsbaia.

“It’s simple. If you win games you always feel better so we need some confidence again,” Jol said.

“I know we played Man United, Fulham away and Arsenal which is never easy but we have to come up with the goods now.”

Berbatov has netted just once this season but has shown his usual flashes of class.

“After the last season, you could say he (Berbatov) is a slow starter,” said Jol.

“After scoring he is always different. You need a bit of success, as a player and as a team. He is a quiet lad but has confidence and shows it every day.”

Poor finishing by all of Jol’s strikers has contributed to four points and four defeats so far.

Jol added: “If you have quality up front they have to make the difference. If they don’t it’s not a problem if the other one scores or if the midfielders and defenders score.

“If you miss at crucial moments it could be a problem.”

Fielding a strong line-up means all eyes will be on Jermain Defoe again after the England striker failed to make the match-day squad for the Arsenal defeat at the weekend, although he appears willing to wait for his chance.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy wants Defoe to sign a new contract to avoid him leaving for nothing at the end of the season.

“There is no issue,” said Jol.

“Last year he didn’t want to sign his contract and he had more starts than any other striker. He had more league starts than Robbie Keane.

“Daniel Levy is the man. They offered him a new contract. It’s not about offering, it’s about signing.”