Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp responds to Rafael van der Vaart’s criticism, urges him to focus on football
Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has dealt a quick response to playmaker Rafael van der Vaart’s comments about his decision making. The 28-year-old http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Netherlands-c753 international claimed the English manager had made some poor decisions, one of which was
making him play as a winger rather than a central attacking midfielder and choosing to take him off before the full 90 minutes against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 on Sunday at White Hart Lane.
Redknapp revealed that he somewhat agreed with Van der Vaart regarding his ability to perform better in a central role, which is why he felt he had to choose between the Dutchman and Jermain Defoe. According to the Spurs boss, the English striker has proved
he can perform incredibly well as a second striker to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Emmanuel-Adebayor-c12526, having already scored three goals this season.
With Defoe and Adebayor having struck up a successful partnership and the midfield already occupied with the likes of Scott Parker, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gareth-Bale-c14422, it seems there is no longer a place for Van der Vaart in the starting XI. Redknapp had tried
to make space for him on the wing, but after the player’s comments, revealed he would now choose between Defoe and Van der Vaart.
Redknapp said while speaking to reporters:
“Yes, it does seem to be a problem. Rafa can't run back and chase the full-back. Against the better teams it is a problem.”
He continued:
“Rafa's best position is in the middle, playing just behind the front man.
The only problem is that http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jermain-Defoe-c18359 plays there too and Jermain is playing very, very well at the moment.
So, I guess I have got a decision to make, haven't I? I suppose it's now between Rafa and Jermain over who plays in the team.”
Van der Vaart arrived at the London club in the summer of 2010 from La Liga giants Real Madrid; he has gone on to make 43 appearances in all competitions and has scored 18 goals. This is not the first time the Holland international has been involved in a
stand-off with the manager, with Van der Vaart criticizing Redknapp earlier for leaving him out of the UEFA Europa League squad.
It is no secret that the manager does not appreciate Van der Vaart’s comments to the media, which is probably the reason for his latest retort. Redknapp admitted that while the former Real Madrid man was a fantastic footballer, he often got carried away.
The Spurs’ manager’s advice to Van der Vaart was to do his talking on the pitch and focus on playing football.
Redknapp said:
“Rafa is a terrific footballer. He has great skill. But if you're in the team and asked to do a http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Job-c18684, really, you should just do it.”
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