Source: Telegraph
Harry Redknapp gives sobering warning to Tottenham players
A year ago Spurs landed the trophy, but then won only three of their remaining 12 games. On that occasion Premier League safety was assured, but they go into Wednesday night's crucial game with fellow strugglers Middlesbrough knowing they cannot afford a similar slip-up. [LNB]After Sunday's final Redknapp ordered his players to shun alcohol and prepare properly following the penalty shoot-out defeat by Manchester United and insisted a victory would have to be treated in the same manner. [LNB] Related ArticlesWhat if...[LNB]'We didn't practise penalties'[LNB]Two down . . . three to go?[LNB]Ricky Sbragia: I would have quit Sunderland had Kenwyne Jones been sold to Tottenham[LNB]FA Cup third-round draw: Barrow draw Middlesbrough in pick of round[LNB]Harry Redknapp urges Aaron Lennon to improve his crossing[LNB]"Nobody but nobody was allowed to even look at a glass of wine or any kind of alcohol," insisted Redknapp. "They ate right, had their dinner, had what the fitness people told them they should eat, and went to bed early. [LNB]"They've all done their recovery right and so it shouldn't be a problem. Even if we hadn't been in the position we're in, if we were sitting there now halfway up the table, I still wouldn't have let them have a night out."[LNB]Redknapp was not hinting at any problem within the club, only confirming his views on today's players. He added: "I just think they should be totally dedicated now, with the rewards and everything."[LNB]The manager praised his players for their performance at Wembley and insisted that "on our day we can beat anybody". [LNB]However, Croatian international Luka Modric claimed yesterday that there was no place in the game for theatrics, criticising United's Cristiano Ronaldo, who was booked during the final for an alleged dive inside the box. [LNB]Modric said: "He's an excellent player, but he really overdoes the theatrical bits. In England, where fairness is especially kept in mind and where a masculine, fair game is the law, such whining stands out even more. I don't know what good it will do him."[LNB]Modric will be called upon to improve Tottenham's hopes of avoiding relegation, though Spurs have lost only one of their last five Premier League games and Redknapp is optimistic for the remainder of the campaign. [LNB]"I don't look at the fixture list and think that we have this and that team," he added. "They are all hard games but we can beat anyone on our day. It is catching teams right."[LNB]Against Middlesbrough, Spurs will be strengthened by the return of Robbie Keane, and Wilson Palacios, cup-tied against United, while Carlo Cudicini should also return. [LNB]One player who will not feature is Ledley King, the defender whose knee injury means he can rarely play successive games. Redknapp, though, believes he should have a job for life at White Hart Lane. [LNB]"If you get 20 games out of Ledley he's worth a fortune – he's that good," he insisted. "As long as he's capable of playing games and as long as I'm here, I want Ledley King here for sure."[LNB]And Redknapp has indicated that he would like King to be involved with the coaching set-up at White Hart Lane when he eventually stops playing. [LNB]"He deserves to be looked after and I'm sure the chairman will look after him and he is part of everything we do."[LNB]
