Jermain Defoe hails Harry Redknapp's impact at Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has praised the impact that Harry Redknapp has had since he took over as manager of the English Premier League club two years ago.
When Redknapp stepped into the White Hart Lane hot seat in place of Juande Ramos, Spurs were languishing in the top flight of English football. Having picked up just two points from their first eight games, they were sitting in the relegation zone.
Such has been the level of improvement that Redknapp has taken the club to a top-four finish in the division and helped them qualify for the UEFA Champions League, the most prestigious competition in Europe.
Spurs are currently sitting proudly at the top of Group A, having defeated European champions Inter Milan 3-1 at White Hart Lane.
Defoe is delighted with the improvement and pointed to Redknapp placing a great deal of trust in his players as the catalyst.
'He treats us like men'
According to The Mirror, he said: "Harry has done so well with the players we have. He has got us playing, he treats us like men and we respond to him.
"We control games because of his tactics. He trusts us. He tells us before games to respect the crowd, to give them something to shout about. He's a great man-manager.
"People can talk about other top managers in the game but when you have someone who believes in you like Harry does, someone who helps you to appreciate your potential, you don't walk away from that lightly."
Meanwhile, though Defoe is currently on the sidelines with an ankle injury, he is desperate to be playing in the Champions League. However, with the player set to return to action before the end of the group stage and Spurs on the verge of progressing to the
next round, he appears likely to get his chance.
He said that: "It will certainly be nice to come back for the competition's knockout stages, where there will be other massive clubs and other big players to take on.
"I never worry about not getting back into the side. Yes, the team is doing unbelievably well but I still believe I can show that I can make a massive impact.
"I truly believe I can still finish the season with 20 goals because of the work I have put in during the time I have been off. I have given myself the best opportunity to get my goals and push the club on."
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