Martin Jol emerged defiant from the chaos at Tottenham this week, insisting he could work for other clubs if he wanted but is totally committed to his White Hart Lane ''mission''.
The Dutchman appeared relaxed at Spurs Lodge despite the infamous meeting between club officials and Sevilla boss Juande Ramos, with Jol making light of the events that sparked a turbulent seven days.
Chairman Daniel Levy held talks with Jol on Tuesday and issued a statement giving him his ''100 per cent'' backing, although confidence in his own ability is not something the Spurs boss is lacking after consecutive fifth-placed finishes in the Premier League.
It may be the most difficult week of his managerial career but Jol claimed the consequences of finishing outside the Champions League places are hypothetical.
''The only thing that is not hypothetical is the two fifth-placed finishes we had,'' he said. ''That is what they wanted.
''If I said to the chairman 'I'll give you two top-fives in two years', he would have laughed at me. We did that.
''Five quarter-finals in the cups is a great achievement but now I realise the ambition is higher, that is why this is a very good club.
"I get told I have to win a cup (by the media). Tell other managers they have to win a cup!''
Spurs and Jol insist the relationship between manager and board is strong following their summit, although the club have been criticised for poor timing, with managers contacting the Dutchman to offer sympathy.
Jol, however, is determined to finish the job he started nearly three years ago.
''If we do well, everything will be forgotten,'' he said.
''I could walk out and go to a Champions League club but I want to stay here because I believe in those boys, and as long as they believe in me there is no issue.
''I can work anywhere in the world but this is my mission. This is what I love.''
Jol pointed to the progress made since succeeding Jacques Santini in 2004, but admits there is now pressure on him to deliver, such are the expectations at White Hart Lane. The next test is tomorrow against champions Manchester United.
''If you know where we came from when I started, we were no different to Fulham or like Newcastle,'' Jol added. ''There were a lot of teams in the same position and we were in the top five twice."
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