Harry puts survival first

25 February 2009 15:54
Harry Redknapp has reiterated that Premier League survival is Tottenham's priority this term.[LNB] Spurs have a Carling Cup final date with Manchester United to look forward to on Sunday, while they are also set to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the second leg of their Uefa Cup last-32 encounter on Thursday.[LNB]Both of those competitions provide the opportunity to land some silverware and qualification into Europe for next season.[LNB]However, with the club yet to secure their top-flight status for the 2009/10 campaign, Redknapp insists the pursuit of precious points continues to dominate his thoughts.[LNB]"I think if you asked any team they would say their priority is the Premier League. That's where we are all at," he told Sky Sports News.[LNB]"Everybody changes their team (in cup competitions), apart from the big clubs. Teams have to rotate because staying in the Premier League is vital. [LNB]Pile-up"It's alright saying we had a good run in the Uefa, we got to the last eight or the semi-final, but then we got relegated. That would be lovely next year. [LNB]"If we were sitting in the top half of the league we would be having a go. But then would we? Because then we are in the final of a cup on Sunday. [LNB]"It's very difficult, but that's what you get when you try and win every game. We went for the Uefa Cup, we went for the Carling Cup, but I still find myself in a relegation battle and now all these fixtures have piled up in the same week and that's where the problems have come."[LNB]Redknapp admits his managerial skills have been put to the test since he took the reins at White Hart Lane, with fixture congestion continuing to give him the biggest headache.[LNB]"It's tested the squad. We have to look at the squad and see where we can go with it," he added.[LNB]"It's just so difficult. If you talked to half the managers in the league, whether it's the Carling Cup or the FA Cup, every one of them has messed around with their team because they have prioritised the Premier League."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports