Tottenham's win over Manchester City made in England says Harry Redknapp

06 May 2010 08:24
Tottenham won 1-0 at Eastlands through Peter Crouch's header to secure a top four finish and entry to Europe's elite club competition. [LNB]Redknapp hailed the performances of Crouch, fellow striker Jermain Defoe and defenders Ledley King and Michael Dawson, all of whom shone in front of the watching England manager Fabio Capello. [LNB] Related ArticlesMan City 0 Tottenham 1Debate: How will Spurs fare in the Champions League?Mancini: I'll be here next seasonHarry Redknapp secures place in the history booksSpurs join Euro eliteTime to get serious about RedknappThe Spurs manager said: ''King and Dawson - my God they were good, Crouchie led the line unbelievably, it was a great performance from him, and the best we have seen from Defoe for a while. [LNB]''It was great to come here and win - I took a big gamble and played an attacking team. We went for it. [LNB]''People will think I'm mad coming away from home like this - all the top teams only play with one up front now. [LNB]''I'm very pleased - it's great for the club, a good achievement and we have played great football this year.''[LNB]The success marks a remarkable 18 months for Redknapp who took over in October 2008 when Spurs were bottom of the Premier League with two points from eight games. [LNB]Redknapp added: ''Daniel Levy [the Tottenham chairman] was scared that we were going to get relegated that's why he made the move, at the time he was afraid we could have been stuck in a relegation battle and we were in it for a long while. [LNB]''Of course this means a lot to me, I'm delighted but I know I'm good at my job, I wouldn't have done it if I was a mug.''[LNB]Redknapp, who was doused with an ice bucket by his celebrating players, does not hold out much hope of Arsenal losing against Fulham on Sunday to allow Tottenham to sneak into third spot. [LNB]''I just wanted to make sure we got there and finished fourth, the chairman has just said to me 'who have Arsenal got on Sunday' but I doubt very much whether that will happen.''[LNB]The result was a hammer blow for Manchester City but both the club and manager Roberto Mancini have tried to dampen speculation over his future at the club. [LNB]Club officials say Mancini's future is not an issue, and asked whether he was confident about remaining manager next season, the Italian said: ''Yes I'm confident. I don't know but I think I stay here. Why not? [LNB]''I work here four or five months and I think when you build a house you don't start from the roof but the basement. We work very well but we are near the roof. [LNB]''I am not a magician, I don't have a magic wand. We wanted this (fourth) place and we tried like Liverpool, Tottenham and Aston Villa.''[LNB]Mancini said failure to make the Champions League would have no impact on the future of Carlos Tévez, who is reported to have issues with the Italian coach over his training regime. [LNB]''Carlos Tévez has a contract with Manchester City and he will be here next season,'' said Mancini. [LNB]Meanwhile, Gareth Barry suffered a knock to his ankle but the injury is not thought to be serious and will not compromise his hopes of making the World Cup finals with England this summer. [LNB]

Source: Telegraph