Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp admits defence issues; expects rivals Manchester City to win the league soon
Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has confessed that he is facing a defensive crisis at his club, which may be the biggest concern for the North London club as they taste Champions League football for the first time. Tottenham are to be without two of their most experienced defenders, Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King, for the start of the new season. Woodgate was only able to play 3 times for the Spurs, owing to his prolonged groin issue, which needed surgery to correct. Club captain Ledley King has also had his share of injury issues, and cannot feature in all of the matches. King has to be played with caution, and needs proper rest following each fixture. This uncertainty would be Redknapp’s biggest concern. King also picked up a groin injury while on international duty for England, as he was part of England’s disappointing 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign.
The manager confirmed that Woodgate would not be available for selection for the start of the new season, claiming that Woodgate is not in a position to train or play football. Redknapp has the option of calling Sebastien Bassong, Younes Kaboul and Dawson, who are relishing the thought to start for the Premier League club.
Redknapp also confirmed that King has returned from his post World Cup break, and is suffering from two persistent injury concerns. "Ledley has come back and his knee is not great and he has a groin problem,” claimed Spurs’ boss.
Even with the concern over the defensive injuries, Redknapp still believes that his side possesses the quality and depth to be serious contenders for the title next season, and are not to be taken lightly. Harry added that he aimed to play Champions League in the coming season, and fulfilled his goal. Harry Redknapp claimed that he would challenge for the league, and expects his side to give it their all. Redknapp added that if you don’t aim for the top, you can never achieve anything.
Redknapp also claimed that big money-spending Premier League side Manchester City have all the makings of a Premier League champion in the coming seasons. Both City and Spurs are part of the pre-season Barclays New York Challenge, being held in the United States of America. Redknapp has kept a close eye on what his previous season rivals have been doing over the summer. City have already spent more than any other club this summer, splashing a huge 75 million pound amount to buy four prolific players to bolster their squad.
Manager Roberto Mancini has signed winger David Silva, defenders Jerome Boateng and Aleksandar Kolarov, and defensive midfielder Yaya Toure. 25 million pound Inter Milan teenage sensation, Mario Balotelli, is also reportedly on his way to the Eastlands, along with James Milner. With players like Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Patrick Vieira already in the squad, Manchester City has established itself as a permanent threat to the so-called top four. Having finished their best ever 5th last season, Mancini aims to at least make it into the top four, but considers the title to be his main aim. Redknapp was aware of this, and stated that City has the ability to buy any player they like. The Spurs manager confirmed that City arrived for the New York Challenge bolstered by a huge squad, which was fascinating to see. Harry added that money doesn’t seem to be the issue at City, as the owner of the club is a multibillionaire. Redknapp therefore confirmed that they are strong contenders, and will eventually win the title sooner rather than later.
Harry Redknapp added that if this keeps on going on for the coming years, Manchester City will put together a star-studded squad within a few years, which will be capable of winning the league in the near future. Mancini has not said anything relating to how many more players he would sign.
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