Harry Redknapp thinks Tottenham's fans should view qualification to next year's Champions League as a bonus rather than a necessity.
Spurs fans may have enjoyed a remarkable debut season in the Champions League, but their place among Europe's elite in next year's competition is far from assured. Tottenham trail fourth-placed Manchester City by two points after Wednesday night's thrilling north London derby.
"Getting in that top four is a bonus," Redknapp said. "Every year the same four teams got into the Champions League apart from the one year that Everton broke in and then we broke in ahead of Liverpool. Now, suddenly, there's Man City and they want to be in there every year too. Getting in the top four is going to be harder and harder every season."
Redknapp knows a tough run-in, which includes games against Chelsea, City and Liverpool, means that his team are underdogs. He is nevertheless determined to bring the continent's best teams to White Hart Lane next term.
"We're in a position where we still have a chance," he said. "It's going to be tight but we have to keep going. We have the tougher run-in than Man City but it's a good end to the season, it's something we're looking forward to, we're fighting to achieve something, that's all you can ask."
The 64-year-old also thinks the wealth of expensively-accumulated talent available to Roberto Mancini means that City's FA Cup final clash with Stoke on May 14 will not prove to be a distraction to their rivals.
"I don't think City will be affected by the cup, they have such a strong squad and they can rotate. They have a lot of options so it's going to be close," Redknapp said.
Spurs will move ahead of City into fourth if they beat West Brom at White Hart Lane on Saturday.
They may have to do without star man Bale, who suffered a knee injury against Arsenal.
"He is quite a big doubt. I don't want to say he's definitely out but at the moment you wouldn't think he would be fit," Redknapp said.
Source: PA
