The Premiership takes a break this weekend as the football focus is shifted towards the Euro 2008 qualifiers. Click here for all games & betting.

Jose Maria Del Nido hopes that Tottenham Hotspur’s attempt to lure Juande Ramos to White Hart Lane did not distract the coach and he predicts that the coach will turn things around.

The club president admits that the Premiership club’s offer to Ramos at the start of the season came at a bad time for a club mourning the death of defender Antonio Puerta.

Tottenham officials reportedly met with Ramos in August but Del Nido hopes that did not distract from his current job. The approach coincided with an alarming dip in form for Sevilla with the club losing four successive matches – their worst run since 2000.

“I believe, I hope and really hope that it did not,” Del Nido said.

“Of course, it did come at a bad time. Juande though, reacted by assuring us that he would comply with his contract and that his heart and mind was still here with us.

“He has been true to his word and continued to work hard.

“His contract expires on June 30, 2008,” the president continued. “Juande is going to have a magnificent end to this season though, and then we shall talk.”

Del Nido then added that the Tottenham speculation had not altered his relationship with Ramos.

“Things between us now are as good as they were on his first day,” he said. “If anyone thinks any different they are imagining it.

“I have the same relationship with him that I had with (Jock) Allace, (Xabier) Azkargorta, (Vicente) Cantatore, Luis Aragones and (Carlos) Bilardo.

“I am always respectful to the coaches and to their work. I do what is required and keep my distance.

“That is how things have to be.”


The Premiership takes a break this weekend as the football focus is shifted towards the Euro 2008 qualifiers. Click here for all games & betting.