Bond says Luka is shaken...not stirred

Kevin Bond expects Tottenham Hotspur to recapture their winning mentality which saw them triumphantly reach the Champions League quarter-finals, when they begin their pre-season tour in South Africa.

Spurs begin their pre-season preparations in the Vodacom Challenge with matches against Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, before taking on one of the pair at Ellis Park next week.

The club won the same competition during their last visit in 2007, and Bond predicts the teams winning mentality will see them fight to the last in South Africa.

"It's pre-season but once the players get out there in these great stadiums, with the big crowds, the winning mentality will take over," said the Spurs assistant-manager.

"That's the case anytime they play. They can have an eight-a-side match in training at Spurs Lodge and they will want to win.

"We'll go into these matches trying our level best to get positive results. That never changes.

"We'll be looking at fitness levels and for the lads to work as hard as they can during their time on the field to get the maximum out of it.

"We're working on the basics, looking for positive performances from each individual and a positive result as well.


 

"It's certainly a tournament we'd like to do well in."

Despite being away from English shores, rumours surrounding the future of Luka Modric have failed to wilt, however Bond says the attitude of the Croatian, in the wake of speculation about his future, is yet to alter.

"He's as good as gold," Bond added. "He's not any different now to how he is all the time. He's working hard in training and he's very much part of the group.

"I see no difference in Luka Modric.

"He is a fantastic footballer and it doesn't surprise me that other teams want him."