Source: Daily_Mail
Redknapp insists Spurs can clinch top four spot after edging out Stoke
Defiant Harry Redknapp backed Tottenham to finish in the top four after his side recovered from their Champions League humbling in Madrid to beat Stoke City 3-2 on Saturday.[LNB]The win leaves Spurs three points behind fourth-placed Manchester City with only seven games left, but the clubs still have to play each other at Eastlands on May 10.[LNB]Redknapp admitted he was worried about his players' reaction after Tuesday's 4-0 defeat by Real Madrid, but held a meeting on Thursday and encouraged his players to learn from last season's run in.[LNB] At the double: Crouch heads home his second goal as Spurs kept their top four hopes alive[LNB]The Spurs boss said: 'Last year we got knocked out the FA Cup semi-final by Portsmouth and everyone said: "That's the end of Tottenham's season."[LNB]'We came back from that on the Wednesday night and beat Arsenal (2-1), beat Chelsea (2-1) on the Saturday and went to Man City and won (1-0).' [LNB]'The Champions League has been fantastic for us. It's terrific to be involved. The whole thing (has been) a great experience.[LNB]'We have brought Champions League football to White Hart Lane. That was my only aim. I've loved everything.' [LNB]Striker Peter Crouch added: 'Even before what happened in Madrid, (the Stoke game) was massive for us because we want to be back in the Champions League next season.[LNB] Lift off: Luka Modric (right) celebrates his goal against Stoke with Gareth Bale[LNB]'We've proved ourselves, shown we can play at that level and now we need to start putting pressure on teams like Man City and making sure we get in next season.[LNB]'We can definitely do it. There's enough ability, enough belief and we've got enough games. We've got Man City again at their place so it could be another pivotal game.[LNB] 'Last season, no-one believed we could get there and it's probably the same this season.' [LNB] Tottenham 3 Stoke 2: Match Zone[LNB]Crouch, who scored two goals in a man-of-the-match performance on Saturday, also apologised for his 15th minute red card at the Bernabeu.[LNB]The striker received two yellow cards and had to watch the match in the dressing room with Rafael van der Vaart, who was substituted at half-time.[LNB]Crouch said: 'I said to the players and the manager that I was sorry for what happened in midweek and this was my chance to say sorry to all the fans. Hopefully I've repaid them with a couple of goals.[LNB]'I took it really hard. I was gutted. In the first 15 minutes, I felt like I'd cost the team.[LNB]'I wasn't too pumped up. I've played in big games before. They were genuinely honest tackles.[LNB]'I was disappointed with (Marcelo, who celebrated Crouch's red card) but he was happy for the sending off. But it was entirely my fault, I shouldn't have dived in.' [LNB]Redknapp added: 'I was worried about Peter (and) how's he feeling but he showed real character.[LNB]'The other lads love Crouchy. He organised the (Grand National) sweep (won by Alan Hutton) and then I knew he was up.[LNB]'They came in and said: 'Gaffer, do you want a ticket?' I said sure. I thought it was two quid, they said 50 quid.[LNB]'I said: '50 quid! What, for the winner?' [LNB]'They said: 'No, for the horse.' I only had ?45 on me.'[LNB] Tottenham 3 Stoke 2: Crouch scores twice to help banish Madrid nightmareCorluka in angry clash with Spurs fans during thrilling victory over StokeSpurs set to launch audacious ?30m bid for Napoli strike sensation CavaniAll the latest Tottenham news, features and opinion [LNB] Explore more:People: Alan Hutton, Peter Crouch, Harry Redknapp Places: Madrid
