Ramos blames Berba for slump

Spurs boss hits out at wantaway striker

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 24th August 2008

Dimitar Berbatov claps fans goal Blackburn v Tottenham

Berbatov: Causing controversy

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Juande Ramos believes Tottenham's slow start to the season is a direct result of outside interferences.

Spurs have suffered back-to-back defeats at the start of the new Premier League campaign, making a mockery of those who expected the North London club to mount a top four challenge.

It is still early days, but the speculation surrounding star striker Dimitar Berbatov's future appears to have disrupted the squad.

The Bulgarian continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United, and Ramos believes the ongoing saga has caused his players to lose focus at a crucial time.

Problem

"Of course there are repercussions on the players, against Sunderland (2-1 defeat on Saturday) for example we were only able to play with one forward and we didn't have any substitutes for that one forward," said Ramos.

"It's bound to have repercussions on the players.

"Players go through physical fitness issues that are good or bad, and this is a psychological issue. We've just got to deal with it."

However, in another example of how Tottenham appear to be divided at present, Jonathan Woodgate refused to agree with his manager's comments.

Disruptive

The England international says the players who take to the field must shoulder the blame for the poor start, and avoid making lame excuses.

"What because we've lost a couple of games it's Berba's fault? No, that's a load of bull," said the centre-half.

"We've lost the two games because we haven't played well. It's got nothing to do with him.

"The football club's bigger than one player at the end of the day. I don't feel it's been disruptive. The manager makes the decisions.

"Now we'll have to put on a good performance against Chelsea (next Sunday) or they'll wipe the floor with us."