Jermaine Jenas admits Tottenham's players are fighting for their futures at White Hart Lane - but he expects Juande Ramos' ruthless streak to get the best out of the squad.
Ramos lost patience with goalkeeper Paul Robinson and dropped him for the Carling Cup clash at Arsenal this week, while striker Jermain Defoe has been told he can leave if he wants.
Pascal Chimbonda could also move to Aston Villa, despite being a regular at right-back, and players such as Wayne Routledge and Hossam Ghaly are set to depart.
"Obviously the manager has not brought in any players which he wants right now, so that is a given he is going to bring in some players," said Jenas.
"You could say players could be playing for their futures, but if it makes them play better then that is all good with me."
Robinson cut a lonely figure on the bench after Radek Cerny was given the nod for Spurs' biggest match of the season, and he was understood to be frustrated by his omission.
Although it shows Ramos' lack of faith, the Spaniard dropped Younes Kaboul earlier in the season and the young centre-back eventually returned to the starting XI.
"It was just a decision, like any other player," said assistant boss Gus Poyet. "We don't just analyse one individual - he is just one player in the squad.
"You have to play one or the other. It's the same when Robbie Keane or Jermain Defoe is not playing.
"It's decisions. It's as simple as that. Every game and every action is about decisions."
Jenas, who scored the opener in the 1-1 draw at Arsenal, has no doubts over wanting to commit himself to Spurs.
"I want to play for Tottenham and am enjoying my time here," said the 24-year-old midfielder. "The new gaffer has come in and is doing a great job. I want to do things here, so I am more than happy."
Cerny did not put a foot wrong in the semi-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium, and the Czech Republic stopper could do nothing about Theo Walcott's freak equaliser.
Walcott was looking to impress new England boss Fabio Capello, who was watching in the stands and also casting an eye on Spurs' homegrown players.
Jenas lost his place in the England squad towards the end of Steve McClaren's disastrous reign, but is now determined to win his place back.
Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon were in the same position, while Robinson was left out of McClaren's final match and Ledley King is returning to match-fitness.
Strikers Defoe and Darren Bent, meanwhile, need more opportunities to impress.
"It is inevitable that the new manager will have new thoughts," said Jenas. "If I can keep putting in performances, I will get my chance to show the new England manager what I can do."
Poyet felt the clash at the Emirates was a missed opportunity to beat Arsenal for the first time since 1999.
"We missed a great chance to beat Arsenal at the Emirates," he said.
"The mentality going there and the attitude was excellent. It's a derby and it's still 50-50."
Pascal Chimbonda could also move to Aston Villa, despite being a regular at right-back, and players such as Wayne Routledge and Hossam Ghaly are set to depart.
"Obviously the manager has not brought in any players which he wants right now, so that is a given he is going to bring in some players," said Jenas.
"You could say players could be playing for their futures, but if it makes them play better then that is all good with me."
Robinson cut a lonely figure on the bench after Radek Cerny was given the nod for Spurs' biggest match of the season, and he was understood to be frustrated by his omission.
Although it shows Ramos' lack of faith, the Spaniard dropped Younes Kaboul earlier in the season and the young centre-back eventually returned to the starting XI.
"It was just a decision, like any other player," said assistant boss Gus Poyet. "We don't just analyse one individual - he is just one player in the squad.
"You have to play one or the other. It's the same when Robbie Keane or Jermain Defoe is not playing.
"It's decisions. It's as simple as that. Every game and every action is about decisions."
Jenas, who scored the opener in the 1-1 draw at Arsenal, has no doubts over wanting to commit himself to Spurs.
"I want to play for Tottenham and am enjoying my time here," said the 24-year-old midfielder. "The new gaffer has come in and is doing a great job. I want to do things here, so I am more than happy."
Cerny did not put a foot wrong in the semi-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium, and the Czech Republic stopper could do nothing about Theo Walcott's freak equaliser.
Walcott was looking to impress new England boss Fabio Capello, who was watching in the stands and also casting an eye on Spurs' homegrown players.
Jenas lost his place in the England squad towards the end of Steve McClaren's disastrous reign, but is now determined to win his place back.
Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon were in the same position, while Robinson was left out of McClaren's final match and Ledley King is returning to match-fitness.
Strikers Defoe and Darren Bent, meanwhile, need more opportunities to impress.
"It is inevitable that the new manager will have new thoughts," said Jenas. "If I can keep putting in performances, I will get my chance to show the new England manager what I can do."
Poyet felt the clash at the Emirates was a missed opportunity to beat Arsenal for the first time since 1999.
"We missed a great chance to beat Arsenal at the Emirates," he said.
"The mentality going there and the attitude was excellent. It's a derby and it's still 50-50."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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