Football: Klinsmann paints picture of Spurs disarray

THE Tottenham Hotspur striker Jurgen Klinsmann has said that he was representing the views of other players when he had his much-publicised argument with the White Hart Lane club's coach, Christian Gross, last week.

Speaking in an interview with the German magazine Kicker, Klinsmann said his dispute with Gross came after other Tottenham players had asked him to intervene.

"When I was signed by Tottenham I was expected by all sides to take responsibility in the fight against relegation," the German international captain said. "I did that after seeing that many things here are in a mess and don't function. There was a lot of tension between the players and the coach. I tried repeatedly to be the diplomat and to close the gap. But for weeks nothing happened, there was no reaction."

Klinsmann, who has said he is leaving Spurs when his contract expires in the summer, rowed with Gross over tactics and team selection last week.