Defoe blasts negative Santini

Jermain Defoe has hit out at the negative approach of former boss Jacques Santini.

Spurs scored just six goals in 11 Premiership matches under Santini and Defoe admits he was frustrated by the Frenchman's tactics.

Santini sensationally quit Spurs last week and was replaced by assistant boss Martin Jol.

Defoe concedes he has been impressed by the impact of Jol and hopes he changes things at White Hart Lane.

"It was frustrating. When you play like that, it means other teams can dictate," said Defoe of Santini's defensive tactics.

"If the midfield is going to stay, it means, when you win the ball, the midfielders are so far back that there are no options.

"That makes it difficult for the forwards and hard for the midfielders as well.

"If the manager just wants them to stay, it ends up with the opposition piling on the pressure. At home, especially, we shouldn't have to do that because of the quality of players that we have got.

"It's early days for Martin Jol. He's a different character to Mr Santini."

Meanwhile, Ledley King is a major doubt for Saturday's clash with local rivals Arsenal.

The England international is struggling with a knee knock and he was forced to go to hospital on Thursday to have a scan on the problem.

Jol is hopeful that King will be fit for the midday clash with Arsenal live on Sky Sports 2.

"We are hoping he will be okay," said Jol.