Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp says picking UEFA Champions League winner difficult
Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has said that the ongoing UEFA Champions League is too close to call as the teams are evenly matched.
Tottenham’s European adventure came to an end as the English side was defeated convincingly by the Spanish giants Real Madrid. In the two-legged quarter-final, the Spurs were beaten 5-0 on aggregate by the Los Blancos.
In the second leg at White Hart Lane on Wednesday night, Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-range effort was enough to end Tottenham hopes of a comeback after Real Madrid had recorded an emphatic 4-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Redknapp admits it is difficult to predict a winner at this stage of the tournament as top clubs are battling it out to claim the European crown.
Spanish giants Barcelona face archrivals Real Madrid in the semi-final whereas English Premier League leaders Manchester United face German side Schalke 04.
Redknapp said, “Barcelona for me look the best team I've seen in about 25-30 years. I must say when I see Barcelona play, I think they are amazing.”
The Spurs boss said about Jose Mourinho, “You'd be a fool to write one of his teams off. What he's done has been incredible. Last year, I went with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Inter-c39567 Milan to win the Champions League. I just had a feeling that he could do it.”
However, Redknapp said that Manchester United could not be written off as well since the final of the League would be played at Wembley.
Manchester United are clear favourites to progress to the final against the surprise package Schalke 04. The Red Devils are looking to repeat their heroics of 1999 when they were able to win the Champions League, English Premier League and FA Cup.
Despite their exit from the competition, the Tottenham boss praised his team’s performance in their Champions League debut season and insisted that Spurs have to keep improving and qualify for the next campaign.
At present Tottenham are placed fifth in the Premier League standings and need to beat Manchester City for the fourth spot in order to qualify for the Champions League.
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