Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe: Pre-season victories are vital to setting up a winning mentality

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe believes pre-season victories are vital in setting up a winning mentality for the start of the Premier League in August.

Spurs have won their last two pre-season games against the Orlando Pirates in South Africa and the MK Dons after an opening defeat to Kaiser Chiefs.

The England international thinks building fitness is important to the team but not as vital as winning matches and he admitted he can’t wait for the new season to start.

He told the clubs official website:“The manager said before the final of the Vodacom Challenge that it was important to try and get the win. The most important thing is fitness and to come home injury-free, but it’s also important to have that winning mentality before the start of the season.

“We’ve worked hard so far in pre-season. We’ve done a lot of running and speaking to the lads, everyone feels fit. We’re all raring to go for the start of the season.”

The striker also reflected on the club’s tour to South Africa which he admitted was impressive both on and off the field.

He added: “Technically, both Kaiser Chiefs and Orlando Pirates were good and kept the ball well. They both made it difficult for us.

“It was an ideal test in pre-season, up against good, sharp players,” he continued. “That only helps your game.

“The atmosphere in the stadiums was fantastic. That noise!

“Even when we got to the hotels or the airports all the fans were there singing and dancing, it was brilliant. The fans are fantastic and so friendly. It was great.”