Ramos demands more

New Tottenham manager Juande Ramos demanded improvement in all areas of his team's performance after seeing it progress to the quarterfinals of the English League Cup.
Spurs beat Championship strugglers Blackpool 2-0 at White Hart Lane on Wednesday, but the result did not mask the London club's defensive problems as the visitors carved out several glorious chances.
Ramos took to his seat amidst a blur of camera flashes but was soon brought back to reality as the Tangerines pressurised his defenders from the outset.
The Spaniard was clearly unhappy on the touchline, gesticulating furiously as his team repeatedly squandered possession.
He said: "The team has to improve in all areas, attack and defence. This is a squad of great professionals and I hope that the team improves quickly but with so many competitions at the same time it's difficult.
"We gave Blackpool three or four opportunities and with the difference in divisions we shouldn't be giving that much away," he added.
However, the former Sevilla man did find some room for optimism, saying: "The most important thing was the result. The team played well generally and now we are looking forward to the next round.
"They showed a great willingness to play, they fought very hard, physically, especially considering they only played three days ago," he added.
Ramos explained his decision to field his strongest team. He said: "It was very important today to get the victory to give more security and to calm the team down a bit. Obviously the recent results have been negative and we needed to stop the bad run."
With their lowly league position, the competition now appears to be Spurs's best route into Europe.
The Spaniard said of their chances: "We've got ot look at the draw. It depends on the opponents, it depends if we're playing away or at home and hopefully we will be lucky enough to progress into the next round."
The pragmatic coach seemed bemused when asked why he didn't receive an on-pitch introduction before kick-off. He said: "I never even thought about it, it's just the same as any other game.
"It was not suggested and I did not ask, we are professionals, we don't have time to enjoy that aspect."
One area of concern has been Ramos's ability to speak English, the post-match interview being conducted with the aid of the translator.
He said: "Everything I've needed to say in English, I have tried. For everything else I have a translator."
Goalkeeper Paul Robinson shed more light on the subject. He said: "He speaks English, he talks to the players in English.
"He's got a demeanour and a presence around the place and the players have responded to that," the England stopper added.
'Pool boss Simon Grayson was coincidentally staying in Ramos's hotel and spoke of the Spaniard's efforts at English. He said: "It was OK, that's about all he said. I'm sure he'll get to learn a few words if he hasn't already."
Grayson backed Ramos to turn things around, saying: "He'll weave his magic, get them organised and get his pattern of play across soon."
The former Aston Villa man was philosophical about his team's defeat. He said: "It's been a good run that's increased revenue and hopefully that'll allow me to get some players in."