Coppell on Spurs

Last updated : 03 May 2008 By Angus Muller

The Londoners are the visitors for Reading's final home game of the Premier League season and Coppell's men are still in desperate need of points to stay up.

They will kick off just one point ahead of third-bottom Birmingham, who are at second-bottom Fulham, and behind Bolton, who play Sunderland, in the table on goal difference.

The Royals' fate will not be decided until the last day, when they travel to already-relegated Derby, but victory on Saturday would go a long way towards securing their top-flight status.

Spurs have little to play for and their form has tailed off since they lifted the Carling Cup in February but Reading already know how potent Juande Ramos' side can be having already conceded nine goals to them already - with Berbatov contributing six and Keane one in four league and cup matches this season.

Coppell said of the pair: "How do you stop them? I obviously don't know because we haven't been able to do that yet.

"But it is a different game. Just because they scored before doesn't mean to say they are guaranteed to do it in this one. They are good players, that's the bottom line.

"On the open market what is Berbatov worth? Mega. Keane, what is he worth? They are worth big money because they produce but that's the challenge for my players. They have got to stop them.

"Whoever is marking them as a defensive unit and midfield unit what bigger buzz could you get than playing against top quality players, judging your skills against theirs and hoping you come out on top?"

And in any case, Coppell insisted he was not going to lose sleep over any of the famous names that might appear on the Spurs teamsheet.

He said: "They are dangerous because they have so many good players but I'm not going to be overly concerned about their attitude or approach because I can have no effect on that.

"All I'm interested in is how my boys prepare and make sure they are ready to play. They have the motivation and the incentive, it's just a matter of doing it on the day."

The former Crystal Palace boss also made it clear he did not fear the prospect of relegation nor losing his job.

He said: "Realistically it may happen but nothing is set in stone yet. Between now and the end of the season we have ample opportunity for our actions to put ourselves into a position where we will be competing against these teams next year.

"That has got to be our thrust, our focus as everything we are about is trying to win these two games.

"I have never been bothered about being sacked. It doesn't worry me whatsoever."

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