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Wembley final will be my best yet, says Ramos
Simon Johnson, Evening Standard19.02.08
Juande Ramos today admitted that Tottenham's Carling Cup Final with Chelsea is the biggest game of his career.
Ramos has a great record in knockout competitions, having won the UEFA Cup in the past two seasons with Sevilla, as well as the Super Cup and the Spanish Cup.
Yet he insists Sunday's final - in what is now seen as the least of the three domestic competitions - is hugely important to him.
The 54-year-old is the first Spanish manager to take an English team to Wembley for a cup final and he is determined to win on his debut.
He said: "For me it is a personal dream to play at Wembley; the biggest I've had as a coach. I couldn't have imagined this.
"But that's not what's important. What gives me the most satisfaction is seeing how happy and excited the team, the club and the fans are. They are the ones who got us here.
"The footballers should go out there and enjoy playing a final at such a legendary place as Wembley. My role is simply to offer all my support and concentration so that the players and fans can enjoy the game.
"The anticipation of the lads and the club compels me to give everything in my power so they enjoy this special occasion."
Ramos, whose side faces Slavia Prague in the second leg of their UEFA Cup last 32 tie on Thursday, has also revealed he wants to build his Tottenham team in the future with younger rather.
He added: "The youngsters bring hope and enthusiasm although they are inexperienced. However, there are more benefits than disadvantages to having young players in the team. I like to work with them because they are very self-disciplined, they believe in everything you say and try to do exactly what you tell them."
