Source: Team_Talk
Modern tackling not a problem - Harry
Harry Redknapp has told Arsene Wenger that if he believes English football is too physical, he should have seen the game 50 years ago.[LNB] Arsenal boss Wenger used his programme notes prior to the Gunners' Champions League win over Braga on Wednesday night to criticise Bolton's approach in the sides' Premier League meeting four days earlier.[LNB]The Frenchman, who perennially complains about his players not receiving enough protection from officials, intimated he felt Trotters defender Paul Robinson should have been dismissed for a tackle which left Abou Diaby with severe ankle bruising.[LNB]Wenger's comments prompted an angry response from Wanderers boss Owen Coyle, while Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce also accused his Arsenal counterpart of trying to influence referees.[LNB]While careful not criticise Wenger directly, Tottenham boss Redknapp suggested the Gunners manager might be overreacting.[LNB]"It's just as well he wasn't here in the '60s, really," Redknapp said.[LNB]"If he'd have seen some of the tackling that went on in those days, we would have something to worry about.[LNB]"The tackling now is nothing to what it was; it was a fierce game.[LNB]"I don't have any problems with it (now).[LNB]"You always get one or two injuries but, certainly, in the games we've played, we've had no problems.[LNB]"We compete, the other teams compete with us.[LNB]"You've got to stand up for yourselves.[LNB]"We've all had teams that can dish it out a bit. We've all had players, certain players.[LNB]"Arsenal, a few years ago: Tony Adams, (Martin) Keown, (Steve) Bould, (Nigel) Winterburn, Lee Dixon, (Patrick) Vieira, (Emmanuel) Petit. That was a very strong, aggressive team - a fantastic team.[LNB]"They were great competitors; they had their share of cards, the same as everybody."[LNB]Redknapp, whose side host Arsenal in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night, added: "What Arsene's saying is they've had one or two injuries.[LNB]"But if people are going for the ball and it's a fair tackle then there's no problem if they're aggressive.[LNB]"But if people are trying to hurt someone deliberately then the referees need to clamp down; I'm agreeing with him in that respect."[LNB]Tomorrow sees Spurs host a Wolves side whose own physical approach has drawn criticism this season.[LNB]Midfielder Karl Henry has borne the brunt, with Newcastle's Joey Barton upset at his treatment at the hands of the 27-year-old when the sides met last month.[LNB]Henry was also the player who tackled Bobby Zamora when the Fulham striker broke his leg last weekend, although no free-kick was given.[LNB]Asked if he expected the same approach from Henry in tomorrow's Premier League clash, Redknapp said: "Yeah, I'm sure.[LNB]"Listen, Joey can give it and he can take it.[LNB]"It was unusual to see somebody smashing him about a bit!"[LNB]Redknapp insisted he had "no problem" with Wolves, although he added: "Maybe after tomorrow I might see it differently!"[LNB]Spurs failed to score against Mick McCarthy's men in two defeats last season and have yet to score at home in the league this term, while none of their strikers have netted at home or away to date.[LNB]But Redknapp had no concerns about this today, pointing out Peter Crouch had four goals in the Champions League so far.[LNB]He also denied making any approach for Newcastle forward Andy Carroll, adding: "I thought the transfer window had closed?"[LNB]Today saw one of Carroll's predecessors in the number nine shirt at St James' Park, Alan Shearer, claim England's players wanted Redknapp to succeed Fabio Capello as national team boss in two years' time.[LNB]"Listen, it's nice of Alan to say that and I appreciate that," said Redknapp, who reiterated his stance on the matter.[LNB]"All I ever said is that if you got offered it, it would be hard to turn down for any English guy."
