Roux believes in Santini

By Paul Fletcher
Our man in Portugal

Santini ready for Spurs

Jacques Santini will be a success at Tottenham, according to long-serving Auxerre manager Guy Roux.

Roux, a close friend of Santini for more than 30 years, feels it will be a tough assignment to revive Spurs' fortunes.

He told BBC Sport: "Jacques is a very good coach, look at how well he runs the French team.

"But Tottenham have had few positive for many years so if he lifts them he will be seen as a success."

Roux added: "He has very strong character and although he is quite a quiet man he is very good tactically.

"It is a good opportunity but he must work hard.

"If he is given some money he will be able to build a good teams, maybe he can get two or three French players."

Santini will arrive at Tottenham following France's shock exit at the hands of tournament outsiders Greece.

The wily Guy Roux knows Santini well

He will form part of a new-look management structure at Spurs where he will coach the team assisted by Dutchman Martin Jol, with former Danish international Frank Arnesen as technical director.

And Roux explained what Santini will bring to the club.

"He is good with the politics - the way he deals with his players.

"He has know-how with his players, but is very quiet with the press."