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'I'm not a babysitter' - Sherwood stands by criticism

Tim Sherwood was outspoken in his criticism of his players after Tottenham's 4-0 defeat by Chelsea © Getty Images

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Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has refused to back down from his post-match criticism of his players after their 4-0 defeat to Chelsea and says that he hopes it will have a galvanising effect on the squad.

Spurs face Benfica on Thursday evening in the Europa League last 16 on the back of a humiliation at Stamford Bridge last time out on Saturday, after which Sherwood said anyone at the club thinking about qualifying for the Champions League needed to "wake up".

With a north London derby against Arsenal also looming on Sunday, it is a pivotal point in the season for Sherwood and his players, but the manager believes he is doing the right thing with such public criticism.

"They are men. I'm a manager, not a babysitter," said Sherwood. "We just try and win as many games as we can. We want to win games. How can I take my eye off a London derby against Arsenal but this next one [against Benfica] is more important.

"Will it [the criticism] have a galvanising effect on the players? I hope so. They know how I am and how I felt about what happened. We are moving on, you can't dwell on it. They are all men, they all appreciate that I am singing it from the heart, not from the script - I'm not an actor, I work on impulse."

Rumours persist about the arrival of Louis van Gaal at White Hart Lane in the summer, casting doubt over Sherwood's own position. However, Sherwood insists he is planning for the long haul.

"I've an 18-month contract and I thoroughly expect to be here a lot longer than that," he added. "I've spoken with Daniel and I'm planning for next season, who I want to keep, who I want to bring in.

"A lot of players here are playing for their future and I think they realise that now. I'm going to have a good look at the whole squad and see who I need to keep and who I need to bring in. They have that chance between now and the end of the season to prove they want to play for a giant club like Tottenham.

"I'm never going to take a step back. I'm just going to shoot from the hip. That's what I'm like.

"At any club, you'll see a lot of players all over Europe, all over the world, they think they've outgrown a club, that can't be the case. People pay money to watch clubs, it's in their blood, and I think players owe them 100%."

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