Bilic plays down Tottenham link

Bilic has previously been linked to West Ham United and Manchester City

Slaven Bilic has played down speculation linking him to Tottenham, insisting he is focused on his job as coach of the Croatia national team.

The 40-year-old has been mooted as a potential replacement for Juande Ramos if the Spaniard is sacked following Spurs' worst start to a league season.

"I've been linked with many clubs in England and all I can say is that it is flattering," Bilic told BBC Sport.

"But I have my job with Croatia and that's all I'm concentrating on."

Bilic has forged a reputation as one of Europe's most promising coaches after guided his country to two victories over England in qualifying for Euro 2008 and then to the last eight at the finals in Austria and Switzerland last summer.

The former West Ham and Everton defender has reportedly turned down offers to manage the Hammers and Manchester City in the past and told the BBC One's Football Focus in November 2007: "I dream of being a club manager in the Premier League."

Newspaper reports claim sections of the Tottenham dressing room are openly discussing Bilic's name and that the club's two Croatia players, Luka Modric and Vedran Corluka, have been quizzed by team-mates over their countryman's suitability.

Spurs have picked up just two points from their opening eight games and sit bottom of the Premier League, five points adrift of safety.

"The Tottenham crisis has affected them (Modric and Corluka) but they are behind the manager and I can't see a problem with them on the pitch," Bilic told BBC Radio 5 Live.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to the crisis at Spurs

Like most players at Tottenham their self-confidence is not at its highest right now, which is understandable.

"It's hard to believe (Tottenham's situation) but a lot of good teams have been in the same position.

"When something goes wrong, and then you get injures, red cards and bad luck, it's frustrating.

"I know the situation they are but I'm sure it is going to get better. It's a massive club and they are going to come back."