King issues Spurs warning

Skipper says side missing Modric's influence

Last updated: 2nd December 2008

Ledley King Tottenham

King: Relegation warning

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Tottenham captain Ledley King admits his side face a major relegation battle and that they need to make White Hart Lane a fortress if they are to survive.

Spurs suffered their first defeat at home under Harry Redknapp following Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Everton to leave them nervously looking over their shoulders.

Redknapp has helped transform Tottenham's fortunes since his arrival, winning seven of his opening nine games before Sunday's reverse.

King believes the defeat to Everton is a reminder to the squad that their safety is far from secure.

"You only have to look at the table and see how tight it is. We're aware of that," said King

"This was a good opportunity for us to try to push away from that bottom group, but every time we lose a game we are right back in it, so there's still a lot of work to be done.

Switched off

"We switched off for a split second and that cost us a goal. On days like that, good teams would grind out a 0-0 and take a point.

"Over the years teams have found it tough to win here [at White Hart Lane]. Last season and so far this season we have slipped off the boil at home, so we are slowly trying to make it a fortress again."

King conceded the side are missing Croatian schemer Luka Modric as they are struggling to break down teams at present.

Modric has been out of action for the last two weeks with a groin strain, but could return for next Monday's London derby with West Ham.

Struggled

"There have been times when we've struggled to break teams down," added King. "It's up to us to do more, to have more imagination to open teams up.

"We miss Luka Modric, because that is what he is all about.

"When you give him the ball in the final third, he makes things happen, and we hope he is back as soon as possible."