Jol denies fall-out with Berbatov

Jol said Berbatov would not be leaving the club

Tottenham boss Martin Jol has denied reports of a rift with star striker Dimitar Berbatov.

It was suggested that Jol had to ask three times before the Bulgarian agreed to warm up in readiness to come on during Monday's defeat by Newcastle.

"It did not happen," said Jol. "I think our relationship is very good."

Jol insisted Berbatov would not be leaving Spurs and also denied a report that he had argued with the Bulgarian on the training ground on Tuesday.

News conference: Spurs boss Martin Jol

"Dimitar has a long-term contract. I always talk to him - if he's not playing well and not scoring goals, or if he's playing well and scoring goals," he added.

I do more on the training pitch on set-plays than at any other club Spurs boss Martin Jol

"If I talked to him, it was nothing to do with Newcastle.

"Dimitar isn't an extrovert, he's a bit quiet. Last year, when he was flying, he was the same. If he scores goals and we play well, he's happy."

Berbatov was one of the outstanding performers of last season in the Premier League, leading to rumoured interest from Manchester United.

However, the 26-year-old has scored only twice this season as Spurs have struggled.

Jol's side, who are in the Premier League relegation zone, meet Getafe in the Uefa Cup on Thursday ahead of Sunday's league game against Blackburn.

The manager's future at the club came under intense scrutiny yet again following the defeat at Newcastle, with former Spurs midfielder Tim Sherwood accusing the Dutchman of failing in his training methods.

But Jol hit back: "I do more on the training pitch on set-plays than at any other club because we've got to. Still, it's about physical presence and mental toughness."

The Spurs boss insists he is coping with the criticism.

606: DEBATE With the tactics and team selections from Jol I can no longer defend his corner tottylover01

"Some of it is unfair but when we're in the position we're in, sometimes I feel they're right," he said.

"I won't get fed up with it because I won't get fed up with my players because I can try to educate them and do better.

"At times you can be angry with them but they're angry with themselves.

"We know the answers. We know that we have to be on the end of the crosses and free-kicks and corner kicks."