Stressing the importance of discipline, Ramos stated that he felt Tottenham were a 'big club' and that his intention was to 'take them back to the top where they belong'. He continued by praising the good work Martin Jol did at the club whilst deflecting any questions about Sevilla and his potential transfer budget to his Sporting Director, Damien Comolli. Gus Poyet and well as Marcos Alvarez were also present at the press conference and the latter stated that he and Ramos believed that the clubs tendency to concede late goals had more to do with a lack of a 'winning mentality' rather than poor levels of fitness amongst the players.
Throughout the conference Ramos cam across and an intelligent and thoughtful man. There was little of the humour that characterised Martin Jol's press conferences, save a few wry smiles reserved for the more awkward questions, and Ramos came across as a serious man who commands respect. He did, however, have a treat in store at the end, speaking in English and stating that he spoke English to the players but preferred to speak Spanish to journalists. His English came across surprisingly clearly and fans are sure to be buoyed by news that the language barrier between manager and players should be much of an issue.
Ramos took his first training sessions as Head Coach yesterday and immediately departed from the schedule of the previous regime by putting the players through a double session, perhaps keen to test his new squads fitness as much as he is to learn more about individual players.