Injuries or not, Jol's defence is still robust

Chief in the Tottenham manager's list of mitigating circumstances are the injuries, especially in defence but also to Dimitar Berbatov and Aaron Lennon. Then there are the dogged performances of Spurs' opponents thus far, Sunderland and Everton.

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No, it's not a new signing at the Tottenham training ground, but Martin Jol. His team may not have any points this season and are bottom of the Premier League, but the manager and former centre half is not afraid to show he still has what it takes

In addition, there is the expectation that after spending £40million on players this season Spurs should be challenging for a top-four position — not his assessment, insists Jol.

With such a catalogue of woes Jol clearly feels he has a point or several when it comes to finding reasons for such a stuttering start, even though he insists there are no excuses.

But whatever terminology he chooses to explain Tottenham's poor showing, such "factors" would seem to cut little ice with either his employers or the trophy-starved fans at White Hart Lane.

Jol said: "I hate it at the moment. It is not only about myself because I know we will do better. I hate it if people are coming up with all these judgment calls."

But did the fans not pass judgment with their boos following the defeat to Everton on Tuesday? "They all support me, even now," said Jol.

"Every email, even when we were 3-1 down, they supported me. I can understand they are angry because I am very angry sometimes. We have to do better because it is not about results, it's about playing well, playing better."

He will need a result against Derby tomorrow if the pressure is not to be cranked up a notch further. Among the gripes from fans is Jol's unwillingness to criticise his players publicly for their poor performances, while the lack of creativity from midfield remains a thorn in Tottenham's side.

Looking for a response: Spurs boss Martin Jol on the training ground today

But Jol is insistent his wake-up calls will be delivered behind the scenes, offering only a mild rebuke to his squad at his weekly press conference yesterday.

"Last year we had a bad start and then we had 20 games with two defeats and we had a great spell," said the Dutch coach.

"It is all about spells but the only thing you hope for is that people give you a bit of time. If not you have to fight and stand up. That is what the players will do.

"I will take the blows and they will have to stand up and do better for us. I talked about things with the players and that is what we do.

"The fans can only read the papers and cannot know what happens in the dressing room or at meetings after the game. It is something that is internal.

"I don't want to tell people that I am slagging them off or throwing tea — I do what I do and I have always done that."

The details of his meeting with chairman Daniel Levy will also remain behind closed doors as far as Jol is concerned, although as Sportsmail revealed yesterday a vast improvement has been demanded.

Jol said: "Daniel feels that he is in the same boat and we have meetings every week.

"It is an important time for us. The transfer window shuts in two weeks and you guys didn't see him last week. That was good because people will probably think he is putting pressure on me before the season starts.

"We were discussing our whole situation and he is very supportive. At this club everybody is responsible. We gave this club 125 points in two seasons so that hasn't been forgotten after two weeks or four days."

But such memories will start to fade should Derby spring a surprise at White Hart Lane tomorrow when Jol will be without Berbatov, who, the manager confirmed, does not need surgery on a groin problem but will be out for around two weeks.

Also missing will be Lennon, midfielder Teemu Tainio and defenders Gareth Bale, Younes Kaboul, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Michael Dawson, Ledley King and Lee Young-Pyo.

Jol said: "I feel if everyone is back we have got a very good team." But with long-term casualty King ruled out for another seven weeks at least, expect Jol's off-the-field defensive duties to continue for a good while yet.