Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas believes he has improved as a player since the arrival of Juande Ramos.
Midfielder puts form down to Ramos' impact
Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas believes he has improved as a player since the arrival of Juande Ramos.
Jenas has become an integral part in Ramos' side and he produced a stunning performance to help Tottenham beat Arsenal to reach the Carling Cup final with a one goal and three assists.
The former Newcastle man admits his performance has gone up a level since the changes implemented by Ramos at White Hart Lane.
"I don't think I was playing badly before but I think my game has moved on a notch," Jenas told the
Daily Mail.
Fitter
"I've always been a fit player but I feel even fitter now. I can defend, help out the back four and then get on the ball and go forward, help create.
"As well as the physical side, I think I've improved mentally also. You come under a lot of pressure in games and you have to step up. I think both myself and the team have done that recently.
"Change can help players, whether it's players coming to a new club or having a new manager.
"It has worked for the whole team here. Everyone's performing better and that's what has enabled my personal performances to become a lot better as well.
"We've become much more confident, allowing people like me to express ourselves."
Hopes
Jenas hopes his rich vein of form will enhance his chances of becoming a regular in the England side under Fabio Capello after conceding he never got a chance to impress when Steve McClaren was at the helm.
"Steve McClaren never really gave me a chance," added Jenas. "But he knows that because I'd speak to him on a regular basis.
"I did feel I'd done well in Azerbaijan (his only competitive start) and I thought it was something to build on.
"But I'd come in as a replacement for Becks [David Beckham] in that game - he was suspended - and it was difficult to move forward when he came straight back into the team and I returned to the bench. A lot of us had to go through things like that."
