Giovani urged to start playing

Playmaker Giovani came off the bench at half-time to net both goals in the 2-0 win over Gabon in an Olympic Games Group B encounter at the City of Coventry Stadium.

But Tena believes the 23-year-old, signed by Juande Ramos from Barcelona four years ago, can make a bigger impact if he plays on a regular basis.

He made only a handful of appearances under Harry Redknapp and has had loan spells at Ipswich Town, Galatasary and Racing Santander.

Tena said: "Giovani proved he is getting better football-wise. He made an impact again from the bench and he has done well throughout this competition from the bench.

"He showed great quality. Sometimes we don't finish but fortunately today we took two of the chances thanks to Giovani out of the many we made.

"Giovani had to improve physically because he came from vacation into the group after everyone else.

"But he is doing well, working in morning and afternoon training sessions with the physical coaches.

"If he keeps improving, he will get a chance [to start]."

But Tena added: "He definitely needs to find his rhythm. He has the potential to achieve things and it would be better if he had that rhythm at club level.

"Unfortunately he doesn't get that many minutes on the pitch at Tottenham.

"It will be better if he played more at club level and then he can give more to Mexico."