Use the fourth, Luka

Modric targets Champions League over FA Cup success

By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 13th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Modric: Chasing Champions League
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Luka Modric has told skysports.com he would rather help Tottenham qualify for the UEFA Champions League than lift the FA Cup this season.

Spurs are involved in a tense battle for fourth place in the Premier League with Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa all jostling for position heading into the home straight.

Harry Redknapp's side are also in the hunt for FA Cup glory, with a quarter-final replay against Fulham at White Hart Lane and cash-strapped Portsmouth awaiting the winners in the Wembley semi-final.

Croatia international Modric has played a key role in Spurs' success this season having recovered from a broken leg which kept him out for several months early in the campaign.

And when asked to choose between the two prestigious competitions, he admitted that the chance to showcase his skills in Europe's premier club competition would be his preference.

"I would like both!" Modric laughed. "But for me, personally, I think I would rather we were in the Champions League than winning the FA Cup.

"The FA Cup is a big competition, but because I have never played in the competition, I would like to finish fourth and play in the Champions League."

Test

Spurs currently occupy fourth in the table, but City are only in their wake on goal difference and boast a game in hand, while Liverpool are a mere point back but have played one more, with Villa four adrift having played two less.

And Modric knows that the race to secure a seat at the top table of continental competition will go right down to the wire, with some key fixtures on the horizon.

He added: "Liverpool, Manchester City and Aston Villa are our biggest rivals for the top four. It will be interesting until the end of the season to see who will finish fourth.

"I hope we will finish fourth, but it will not be easy. There are a lot of games to go and we have to play against Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. We have some tough games coming up, with City also.

"It will not be easy, but if we play like we have all season I hope we can finish fourth.

"When we play against Chelsea it will be a big test for us to see where we belong. Do we belong to the Champions League, or do we need to work more than we are now."

Freedom

The next challenge for Spurs comes in the uncompromising shape of Sam Allardyce's Blackburn Rovers, who will bring their direct style of play to White Hart Lane on Saturday for a clash which can be seen live on Sky Sports HD1.

With just 10 Premier League fixtures remaining, Modric knows every game is crucial if they are to keep up the pressure on their rivals and achieve their goal of securing fourth place.

He admitted: "Blackburn are fighting to stay in the league. It will be a tough game, it will probably be more physical but I think we can handle the challenge and win that game."

Modric initially took time to find his feet in the Premier League following his £16.5million move from Dinamo Zagreb in 2008, but has flourished since Harry Redknapp's appointment at White Hart Lane.

And the talented schemer has credited the veteran manager with getting the best from his mercurial talents, something which predecessor Juande Ramos was unable to do.

He said: "Since Harry came to Tottenham I started playing much better.

"He gave me much more confidence, told me what he expected from me and gave me a freedom to express myself in the game. That helped me a lot in England.

"In the beginning it was very hard for me but now I feel good. I have adapted very well to English football and I'm happy with how I am playing now, especially after my injury."

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Comments (2)

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Tony Barge (Chelsea fan) says...

That's by far the worst pun of a headline I've ever seen.

Posted 11:09 15th March 2010

Terry Whelan says...

Luka Modric is a great find by spurs , he and Lennon really have got spurs flying , come on fourth , come on champions league , come on u spurs, arsenal , win nothing again!!!

Posted 23:23 12th March 2010
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