Villas-Boas: Team spirit at Tottenham 'fantastic' compared to Chelsea

Jul 28, 2012 8:25:00 AM

The new Spurs boss has received a warm welcome at Spurs and was also quick to defend Gareth Bale after Fifa president Sepp Blatter warned he could be banned

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has praised the "fantastic" team spirit he has found since arriving at White Hart Lane, claiming it is much different to what he saw in his short spell at Chelsea.

The Portuguese boss recently succeeded Harry Redknapp at White Hart Lane, after managing rivals Chelsea, and revealing he is thoroughly enjoying his new job in north London.

"They are a great group who are enjoying what they are doing," he told reporters.

"I think the warmth of the group is excellent to see, and you know two different groups react differently. And we've seen that the spirit within this group has been fantastic - it's different from what I had in the last year."

Villas-Boas also waded into the Gareth Bale row after Fifa President Sepp Blatter said the Welsh international could be banned after withdrawing from Team GB due to injury, yet appearing in Tottenham's pre-season match against LA Galaxy.

“I can understand the frustration for missing a player of Gareth's dimensions involved with Team GB," he added.

"But everything was done as it should be. It was approved by the FA doctors regarding his injury, so for me it is the end of story.

"He has decided to speak, maybe not knowing the full extent of the situation. They are unfortunate comments, but I can't make any more comment because he is the Fifa president."

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