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Younes Kaboul: 'Tottenham have the same chance of winning the Premier League as Manchester United & City'
The Frenchman has been pivotal to the defensive solidity that has helped the north London club climb the table and entertain thoughts of a first title since 1961
Jan 13, 2012 2:06:00 PM
EXCLUSIVE
By Francisco Delgado
Younes Kaboul believes Tottenham's excellent form has given them as good a chance as Manchester United and Manchester City of claiming their first Premier League title.
The 26-year-old defender has been a crucial member of an impressive Spurs defence, only missing the two fixtures against Sunderland and Chelsea, and his presence has meant Harry Redknapp's team have been uncharacteristically robust at the back.
Tottenham have already kept eight clean sheets this term – as many as the whole of last season – which has helped fire them into Premier League contention.
Kaboul feels being seen as underdogs for the league has helped the club keep pace with the leaders and sees no reason why the club cannot continue to press for their first top flight trophy since 1961.
"Step by step we have been achieving our goals. Now we're there and we have our chance to fight for everything in the Premier League, but we must continue with the humility and ongoing work we have developed so far," Kaboul exclusively told Goal.com.
"People have focused on the duel between the two teams in Manchester and we have not been regarded as candidates. Perhaps this has been good for us.
"To be tied with Manchester United and at three points off City halfway into the season was unthinkable in the summer, but it shows that we are not there by a matter of a simple chance and that this is not about a lucky day.
"We stand with our feet on the ground because we have not won anything yet. And from now on, it will be more difficult because rivals will have a stronger consideration of us.
"No-one can doubt that we are developing a good game. It's not my turn to say if it is the best in the Premier League right now. This is for people and the press to say, but the team is more than satisfied by how this season is going.”
Redknapp's side initially targeted a return to Champions League football but strong form has placed them just three points off first at the halfway point in the season, leading to suggestions they could go all the way. Kaboul confirmed the players are looking up rather than down.
"Our challenge was and is to go into the Champions League positions, but we will not stop fighting for greater goals. The team has ambition and I hope things continue this way until the end of season,” Kaboul said.
"Do we have a serious chance to win the league? Right now, if we look at the table, we have the same chance as City and United."
Kaboul also paid homage to the work of Redknapp, who has transformed the club's fortunes since arriving in 2008.
"The success of Tottenham lays in a serious and a compact block," Kaboul said. "Here everyone give the best and no player is the star.
"Coach Harry Redknapp is essential to this team. He is a master when it comes to encouraging players. He is a great psychologist and the first thing he said was that we could go far in this season.
"Getting out of the Champions League was hard for us. Nobody believed that we would be eliminated but perhaps from this moment on, the group has been more united than before and the results are helping us to overcome the stumble.
"This season there is a lot of equality in the Premier League and anything can happen. The title will not be decided until the end."
The defender also told of his hope to be recognised by Laurent Blanc for the upcoming European Championships.
Kaboul said: "Things are going well for me personally. This year is the year of the Euros and I have a serious chance to play as a starter with France. That's my other big dream for 2012."
By Francisco Delgado
Younes Kaboul believes Tottenham's excellent form has given them as good a chance as Manchester United and Manchester City of claiming their first Premier League title.
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The 26-year-old defender has been a crucial member of an impressive Spurs defence, only missing the two fixtures against Sunderland and Chelsea, and his presence has meant Harry Redknapp's team have been uncharacteristically robust at the back.
Tottenham have already kept eight clean sheets this term – as many as the whole of last season – which has helped fire them into Premier League contention.
Kaboul feels being seen as underdogs for the league has helped the club keep pace with the leaders and sees no reason why the club cannot continue to press for their first top flight trophy since 1961.
"Step by step we have been achieving our goals. Now we're there and we have our chance to fight for everything in the Premier League, but we must continue with the humility and ongoing work we have developed so far," Kaboul exclusively told Goal.com.
"People have focused on the duel between the two teams in Manchester and we have not been regarded as candidates. Perhaps this has been good for us.
"To be tied with Manchester United and at three points off City halfway into the season was unthinkable in the summer, but it shows that we are not there by a matter of a simple chance and that this is not about a lucky day.
"We stand with our feet on the ground because we have not won anything yet. And from now on, it will be more difficult because rivals will have a stronger consideration of us.
"No-one can doubt that we are developing a good game. It's not my turn to say if it is the best in the Premier League right now. This is for people and the press to say, but the team is more than satisfied by how this season is going.”
Redknapp's side initially targeted a return to Champions League football but strong form has placed them just three points off first at the halfway point in the season, leading to suggestions they could go all the way. Kaboul confirmed the players are looking up rather than down.
"Our challenge was and is to go into the Champions League positions, but we will not stop fighting for greater goals. The team has ambition and I hope things continue this way until the end of season,” Kaboul said.
"Do we have a serious chance to win the league? Right now, if we look at the table, we have the same chance as City and United."
Kaboul also paid homage to the work of Redknapp, who has transformed the club's fortunes since arriving in 2008.
"The success of Tottenham lays in a serious and a compact block," Kaboul said. "Here everyone give the best and no player is the star.
"Coach Harry Redknapp is essential to this team. He is a master when it comes to encouraging players. He is a great psychologist and the first thing he said was that we could go far in this season.
"Getting out of the Champions League was hard for us. Nobody believed that we would be eliminated but perhaps from this moment on, the group has been more united than before and the results are helping us to overcome the stumble.
"This season there is a lot of equality in the Premier League and anything can happen. The title will not be decided until the end."
The defender also told of his hope to be recognised by Laurent Blanc for the upcoming European Championships.
Kaboul said: "Things are going well for me personally. This year is the year of the Euros and I have a serious chance to play as a starter with France. That's my other big dream for 2012."
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|
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