Source: Daily_Mail
Carlo Ancelotti backs Harry Redknapp for England job
Carlo Ancelotti mixed up warm words for Harry Redknapp with a warning about the consequences of failing to qualify for the Champions League ahead of their London derby.[LNB]While endorsing the Tottenham boss's claims to be the next England manager, Redknapp's Chelsea counterpart knows things will be tougher for him at White Hart Lane next season if fourth place is not secured in the coming weeks.[LNB] Got my vote: Ancelotti believes Redknapp (right) is the best man for the England job[LNB]The stakes are significant on both sides when Spurs visit Stamford Bridge to try for their first win there since the inception of the Premier League. Chelsea can close the gap on Manchester United to three points, while Tottenham have to maintain their own pressure on Manchester City, four points ahead of them.[LNB]If Redknapp's team are denied the cream of European competition next year the impact will quickly be felt, according to Ancelotti. 'It will be more difficult for Tottenham,' he said. [LNB]'When you've played in the last eight of the Champions League and you're not able to do that next year it will be more difficult to manage and attract players.[LNB]I think they will have more problems, but they can still have the same good season.[LNB]'When you have the smell of the Champions League you want to play in it every time. The Europa League is improving but it's not at the level of the Champions League.'[LNB] On the chase: Ancelotti confident Chelsea can keep up title challenge[LNB]Ancelotti does not see the nationality of England's next manager as an important issue but believes the man against whom he will pit his wits this afternoon is perfectly qualified for the post.[LNB]'Harry has the skill and experience to manage England in the future. I have seen his teams play and they have good organisation.[LNB]'As a manager he has good relationships with players, so there are no problems there.'[LNB]Nor does the Italian think that a long list of major clubs being absent from Redknapp's c.v. is an issue: 'No, because the experience he will have had with smaller teams is important.[LNB]'Whether you manage top teams or smaller teams, the experience and the problems are the same.'[LNB]Ancelotti insists he will have Ramires, Michael Essien and Alex available for a line-up that will see John Terry make his 500th appearance for the club.[LNB] Let's stick together: Drogba (left) and Torres are set to start together against Tottenham[LNB]Inevitably, though, more focus will be on his attempts to shoehorn Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres into the same XI, with the manager insisting he is prepared to change the recently successful 4-3-3 if necessary.[LNB]As he pointed out, the complexities of this extend to the mental as well as the physical side.[LNB]'Every player has an ego, above all strikers,' he said. Who could he possibly be thinking of?[LNB]'It's a psychological question. The best thing is for a player to use their individual ability for the team. You can fight against the ego for this reason. The difference between a good player and a top player is being able to give your ability to support the play of all the team.[LNB]'Competition for places is good, but rivalry is not. Players have to understand the most important thing is using your skill for the team.'[LNB]Of course Ancelotti has his own future to worry about. In what might be a coded plea for more time, he mused on the differences between Barcelona and Real Madrid, as highlighted this week.[LNB]'As individual players Real can be the same level as Barcelona but in terms of philosophy, mentality, Real have to improve this and to do that they need time. Barca built this idea not in one year but using a lot of time. They grew a lot of young players.'[LNB] Harry should replace Capello! Lampard backs Redknapp for England jobFabio Capello insists: I won't ditch England to return to JuventusAll the latest Chelsea news, features and opinionAll the latest Tottenham news, features and opinion[LNB]
