Source: Team_Talk
Redknapp: Wembley impossible to play on
Harry Redknapp branded the Wembley pitch a "disgrace" after Tottenham were dumped out of the FA Cup with a 2-0 extra-time defeat by Portsmouth.[LNB] Players slipped on the treacherous surface throughout a Sunday semi-final that was brought alive by extra-time goals from Frederic Piquionne and Kevin-Prince Boateng.[LNB]The turf had a decisive role to play in the opener with defender Michael Dawson slipping as he attempted to prevent Piquionne from shooting.[LNB]"The pitch is a disgrace, a disgrace. I won't use the pitch as a excuse because it was the same for both teams," said Redknapp.[LNB]"But for any professional team to have to play football on that is farcical. How can you play on a pitch you can't stand up on?[LNB]"You have to spend the whole time making sure you don't fall over. That can't be right can it? It's farcical.[LNB]"Michael Dawson slipped on it and I was here yesterday and saw people unable to keep their feet. It's unreal.[LNB]"I said before the game that anyone can slip on that pitch, so you'll have to be very careful.[LNB]"Yesterday I saw goalkeepers trying to kick balls but fall over.[LNB]"That's how bad the pitch is - it's rock hard and wet on top. It's impossible to play on."[LNB]Despite venting his anger at the controversial Wembley turf that was heavily marked in some areas, Redknapp refused to blame it for the defeat.[LNB]Spurs missed a host of chances with Peter Crouch the worst offender, although the England striker did have a goal disallowed after Niko Kranjcar shoved David James in the build up.[LNB]"It wasn't our day, sometimes it isn't. We had opportunities but we couldn't stick one away," said Redknapp.[LNB]"It was a good goal that we had disallowed, I've watched it four or five times but that's how it goes.[LNB]"Full credit to Portsmouth, they were always dangerous on the counter attack and had pace.[LNB]"They're a threat - they have pace up front and out wide. They're always dangerous on the counter attack.[LNB]"Full credit to Avram Grant. He's done a great job because they were well set up and organised. It was their day. I wish them every success in the final."[LNB]Tottenham resume their push for a Champions League place on Wednesday when they host Arsenal on Wednesday and Redknapp is relishing the prospect.[LNB]"We've got to try and get a fit team out for Wednesday night. We've got Arsenal and that's a massive game," he said.[LNB]"In my opinion I couldn't have asked for a better game. If I could choose a game it would be Arsenal at home.[LNB]"This wasn't ideal preparation that's for sure, but the players will have a rest now and we'll get ready to go again.[LNB]"With Manchester City winning this has been one of those days. This is a big blow and the mark is how you pick yourself up from these types of days."[LNB]Kranjcar sustained an ankle injury and is a major doubt for Wednesday while Wilson Palacios will miss his next two games after picking up his 10th booking of the season.[LNB]Ledley King (thigh) and Aaron Lennon (groin) are doubtful to face the Gunners.
