Tottenham Hotspur Manager Harry Redknapp Oozing with Confidence
Harry Redknapp, the manager for English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, has been oozing with confidence after his team’s win against Young Boys. Tottenham beat the Swiss team 4-0 in the 2ng leg and 6-3 on aggregate to make it to the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.
Now there is a chance that Spurs may be drawn against the likes of European giants such as Inter Milan or Barcelona. Redknapp said that he is not bothered by any big name and believes that his team can be a match for anyone in Europe. He said that his team is good enough to be there, that is why they managed to qualify and now it does not matter who they are drawn against. Redknapp admitted that neither he nor his team has the experience in Europe, but said that learning on the job is what he believes in. The former Portsmouth manager said that the European game is very different to the English league, and that fact is by no means lost on him or his team. He added that he has players who are willing to work hard and fight it out in Europe; Redknapp said that every player in his squad knows how hard they worked to get here. The Tottenham manager said that the long journey that has got them here has made his squad realise the importance of playing with Europe’s elite, and they would not take it for granted.
It was one of his recruits, Peter Crouch, who got a remarkable hat-trick in the all-important 2nd leg match against Young Boys. Redknapp said that Crouch is a player with exceptional ability; normally teams see him as just a target man. He added that it actually works in his favour, as he is not believed to be slick with his footwork and surprises many with his pace and agility.
Redknapp said that being in Europe brings multiple perks. He said that there is the obvious lure of money. Harry said that the extra cash would help the club grow immensely and the fact that his team is in Europe would enable him to persuade big names to the club. He said that he intends to maintain playing in Europe and is trying to make sure that this is not a one season thing.
Redknapp reflected back on the time when he joined the club, saying that he knew he was taking over a club with huge potential. The former Southampton boss said that the Spurs were on the brink of relegation when he came, and making them safe was his first priority. The manager went on to say that in January he would be looking to add a couple of players to his squad. He said that he would look to sign players specifically for Europe and look for those who are not cup-tied.
The manager added that since Tottenham have not been part of Champions League in the past, there would be the risk of players getting overworked by excessive travelling and more number of games. However, he added that it would be up to him to maintain a balance between using the right players and preventing overkill.
He said that focusing on the domestic league remains his primary focus; Redknapp believes that making it to the last 8 may be a more realistic target for them in Europe. And if they get any further, it would be an added advantage. However, to get to the 4th spot once again in the Premier League remains his primary concern. He added that Manchester City and Liverpool are sure to pose them big challenges in the league and he would make sure that his team can come through.
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