Keller praises caretaker boss

Last updated : 27 October 2003 By Jonathan Blain
Kasey Keller has giving a glowing reference to caretaker boss David Pleat after the recent upturn in fortunes at the club. It has been well documented that Spurs are now unbeaten in five games since the sacking of Glenn Hoddle, the first time this has been achieved since January 2001. The side has rode their luck in recent weeks, most notably in the draw at Manchester City and were slightly fortunate to come away with all three points at Leciester but that is all part and parcel of the game, but the most apparent reason for the changes seems to be the new formation. David Pleat has rid of Hoddle's 3-5-2 and implanted his favoured 4-4-2 style and Keller is delighted with this.

He stated 'David has picked up on some shortcomings and made those points and the guys have responded'. He continued, 'The shortcomings were defensive. We were leaving ourselves too exposed, but now the guys are coming round and tracking back better, they are tackling and fighting'. Even through these Americanisations it is clear that Keller is enjoying working for Pleat who is not known for his defensive mind. He went on the say that, 'David has spent a lot of time with the defence on the training ground and it is starting to work now'. It is fair to say that the defence is not by any shape or form as solid as many would like it to be, but it prevented two sides, Middlesbrough and Manchester City, who scored twelve goes between them last year, from scoring at all so far. Keller will be the man for whom a continuation of this form will be well received.