Source: Team_Talk
Redknapp: City not title contenders
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp does not expect Manchester City to become Premier League champions this season, saying 'they've a long way to go'.[LNB] Roberto Mancini's men had been tipped to challenge for the title after a summer of heavy spending in the transfer market, but Redknapp still regards Chelsea and Manchester United as the teams to beat.[LNB]The Tottenham manager was not impressed by City's performance on Saturday as they claimed a goalless draw at White Hart Lane.[LNB]Spurs carved out several good chances and were only denied three points by a stunning display from City goalkeeper Joe Hart.[LNB]"I wouldn't tip City from what I've seen," said Redknapp. "I wouldn't say they'll win the championship. They have a long way to go. Chelsea are a team, Man United are a team. [LNB]"They are fantastic teams with people who have been there, done it all and won everything, Champions League winners.[LNB]"So I wouldn't see City finishing above them."[LNB]Redknapp believes City will face a battle just to secure Champions League qualification - and has advised his rivals to play more positively.[LNB]"They'll find it more difficult to win games if they set up as defensively as they did against us," he explained.[LNB]"I was more concerned when Adebayor came on late in the game. [LNB]"If they spend enough they'll get there in the end but certainly this year, I wouldn't see them being champions.[LNB]"They have a chance of finishing in the top four but Arsenal will be close to the title this year and Liverpool are going to be strong."[LNB]Tottenham clinched fourth place last season and meet Young Boys of Berne in the first leg of the Champions League play-off round on Tuesday night.[LNB]However, Ledley King will sit out the match in Switzerland as Redknapp does not want to take any risks with the defender's troublesome knee.[LNB]"The game in Berne is on Astroturf. It could ruin his knee," said the manager.
