Sherwood: Spurs need Liverpool to falter

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26142437

Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood says his team are relying on fourth-placed Liverpool to drop points in the battle for Champions League qualification.

Fifth-placed Spurs are three points behind the Reds with 13 games of the Premier League season remaining.

The two sides meet in a potentially-decisive game at Anfield on 30 March.

"There's always someone who could drop a couple of points but our big rivals Liverpool are flying. We need them to trip up," said Sherwood, 45.

And he believes his team could possibly afford to lose as many as five games and still finish in the top four to reach next season's Champions League.

"Maths isn't my strong point, but I would say you can afford to lose another four or five games out of what we have got left," added the ex-England international.

When asked if nine wins from their remaining matches would be enough, Sherwood replied: "It could well be."

On Sunday, Tottenham earned a narrow home win against Everton - another team with ambitions of Champions League qualification - to move above their opponents into fifth.

They are six points clear of seventh-placed Manchester United, who were later held to a 2-2 home draw against bottom side Fulham.

Sherwood says any side down to ninth place, including Newcastle, who Spurs visit in the Premier League on Wednesday, are still capable of claiming a top-four place.

"Newcastle have to consider themselves in it, possibly Southampton, Manchester United for sure," he said.

"Everyone is waiting for Man United to come up on the rails. I can't see that not happening - they will put a run together and be right up there.

"Our target is fourth place and it always has been. If we can get higher than that then great but it is the target we are looking for."

Sherwood, who skippered Blackburn to the Premier League title in 1994-95, admits there is "always a risk" that his key players may want to leave White Hart Lane if they are not playing Champions League football next term.

France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who has been one of Spurs' star performers, would be keen on a move to north London rivals Arsenal, claimed Gunners striker Olivier Giroud.

But Sherwood said: "Tottenham is a massive club and will always attract big name players. The club sells itself."

 

[video=youtube;mFEzW1Z6TRM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFEzW1Z6TRM[/video]

 

But Sherwood said: "Tottenham is a massive club and will always attract big name players. The club sells itself."



that cheered me up.

so he is assuming his other 8 games will be all wins then? as 5 losses can't see top 4 with that.

 

The Europa league is back soon and I can see them falling away badly when that starts back.

 

Who else is in that we still need to play? Newcastle and Swansea right? Both at home too.

 

It's all a bit obvious from him and a weak attempt to put pressure on us, he's got a long way to go before getting to Maureens level.

 

Don't we play Chelsea, City, Spurs, and United I think all around the time the CL is back on?

 

Yeah we play Swansea on Sun the 23rd of Feb at Anfield and Newcastle at home is the last day of the season, I doubt Newcastle will still be in Europa in May but we should smash both of them at home anyway.

 

and by that point Newkie could be in the realm of nothingness, nothing to play for, just get the season over so we can all get to Dubai or Ibiza, etc.

 

If he was attempting mind games, that's piss poor. In his place Mourinho would be saying smth like "they are a one trrick pony and I sink plenty of managers out there, Sam, Renee, will know how to handle them. I know of a way and they can feel free to call me. Call me, Renee!" smiles, exits... Fu*king wan*er that Jose

 

Strange tactics; "we'll lose 5 and hope Liverpool lose more"

 

It would be really surprising if Newcastle are still in the Europa league in May.

 

It's all he has to offer. The pressure has already got to him. Doesn't bode well for keeping his job at the end of the season does it?

 

this is him trying to take the pressure off.

if we win and they lose the newkie.... game on LFC.

 

The whole thing is already in our hands.

 

Assuming they have not been knocked out.

 

No ****ing **** Sherlock, next he will be saying that Spurs will need to score goals to win matches. Silly twat.

 

Newcastle finished 16th last season! Spurs got the 5th place spot, Wigan got the FA cup and Swansea the league cup.

 

Players always play well under new manager. His honeymoon is going to be over before you know it.

 

"Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood says his team are relying on fourth-placed Liverpool to drop points in the battle for Champions League qualification. " - Unless I'm mistaken, then isn't that how you climb the table anyway? Captain Obvious has struck again!