Roman: I can do it for Spurs
by Joseph Caron Dawe, 08 October 2008
Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko says he has no concerns over his ability to adapt to the rigours of The Premier League, despite a muted start to life in the English top flight.
The Russia international has made four appearances in the league for Spurs since joining from Spartak Moscow on transfer deadline day in the summer but has failed to find the net so far, with his only goal coming in the Carling Cup win over Newcastle. He is now sidelined for three weeks with an ankle injury.
Questions have since been raised over Pavlyuchenko’s capabilities to take on Premier League defences, but it is early in his Spurs career and for that reason he believes he can still show his true talent.
“I don’t really worry about adapting to the style, or about anything on the football side,” Pavlyuchenko told FourFourTwo magazine. “Spurs have shown faith in me, and I have faith in myself.
“Only time will tell if I do well, but I’m confident that I will. The only problem right now is the language. I just need time to master that.”
Pavlyuchenko was brought in as a replacement for the departed Dimitar Berbatov, who joined Manchester United, and the Russian forward says he does feel the weight of expectation in filling the Bulgarian’s boots.
“I do feel a big sense of responsibility. Berbatov scored a lot of goals for Spurs,” said Pavlyuchenko.
“That’s why they bought me, to score goals and win matches. That’s always my main ambition and motivation. I now have to prove I can do it in England.
“I can safely say that the physical side of the English game doesn’t scare me. I think I showed against England (in the Euro 2008 qualifier in October 2007) that I can cope quite well.
“It’s all about proper preparation, being in the right shape. I know English football is tough, but if you have the ability and you prepare properly, then you have a good chance to succeed.”