8 August 2007, by Sean Gillen

Ambitious Rocha eyes European glory with Tottenham

Berbatov can be best striker in England says defender

Tottenham defender Ricardo Rocha says his side are aiming to improve on their good performance last season, with the Portuguese defender targeting a Uefa Cup winner’s medal and a top four finish in the upcoming campaign.

Speaking to Portuguese daily Record, Rocha admitted that it will be difficult to make the next step after a 5th place finish and run to the Uefa Cup semi-finals last year, but hopes for an improvement both individually and collectively.

“We’re going to try to do better than last season. It will be difficult because we finished 5th in the championship and reached the semi-finals of the Uefa Cup, where we lost to Sevilla, who ended up winning the trophy,” said Rocha.

“This season, we want to win the Uefa Cup and finish in the top four in the Premiership, to qualify for the Champions League.”

“I was satisfied with my performance last season, but I want more from myself this year, although I know the competition is even stronger, with Ledley King, who is the captain, Michael Dawson and Gareth Bale. At Benfica, I was always first choice but here I know it’s different, because there are more matches and more cups.”

Berbatov the best

After his performances in the Uefa Cup against Braga last season, Spurs front man Dimitar Berbatov has attracted interest in Portugal, and Rocha was asked about his experiences in marking the Bulgarian in training.

“I’ve already faced some world-class forwards, like Ronaldinho and Eto’o, but Berba is different, from those two and everyone else. He is tall, strong, technically gifted and intelligent. He can be the best striker in England, because he has quality.”


Related: Nani and Anderson to be Premiership hits says Rocha