Udinese coach Pasquale Marino has paid tribute to Juande Ramos ahead of their UEFA Cup tie with Tottenham.

Regardless of their start to the campaign, Marino believes Ramos will guide Spurs out of trouble.

"I don't know if they are on a diet or doing special training - we only look at how they play," said Marino, whose team are currently second in Serie A. "He is a perfect coach. He is not at his best at the moment but this happens to everyone."

Marino is relishing the role of being favourite for the Group D clash at Stadio Friuli, and after finishing seventh last season, he feels there is nothing for his team to prove against Spurs.

"This is special because they are a big team with a huge history," Marino added.

"I agree that Tottenham are not playing at their best but it happens to every team. They have had bad luck, which is why they are bottom of the Premier League.

"It is a better time for us than them at the moment and that is good for our team - it's our advantage. We don't need to win but I'm confident."