Source: Team_Talk
Redknapp eyes summer of stability
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp insists there will be no wholesale changes at White Hart Lane this summer.[LNB] Redknapp's side took another step towards Champions League qualification with a 1-0 Premier League victory at home to Bolton on Saturday.[LNB]A win over Manchester City at Eastlands on Wednesday would guarantee the club the first Champions League appearance in their history.[LNB]Spurs' relative wealth has meant their managers have not been short of funds and key signings such as Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Wilson Palacios have played an integral part in Spurs' push for fourth.[LNB]Redknapp is likely to be in a similar position this summer but, having also galvanised the careers of David Bentley, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Heurelho Gomes and seen the likes of Michael Dawson and Ledley King find arguably the best form of their careers, he insists he is happy with his current squad and is backing his team to be even stronger next year.[LNB]Redknapp said: "I'm not too bothered about changing things in the summer.[LNB]"If (injured defender Jonathan) Woodgate came back fit then we'll have four fantastic centre-halves.[LNB]"There are lots of good players here. Next year we'll be better. Gareth Bale will have had a full season behind him and Aaron Lennon will be back. The future is good."[LNB]Redknapp insists his players will not buckle under pressure when they lock horns with City on Wednesday.[LNB]Spurs looked nervy in the second half of Saturday's game after going ahead through Tom Huddlestone's 22-yard thunderbolt.[LNB]They are also facing a selection crisis in goal after number one Heurelho Gomes went to hospital to have a scan on a groin injury he picked up in the dying minutes.[LNB]But Redknapp, who was appointed at White Hart Lane when Spurs were in a relegation fight 18 months ago, is confident his side can perform well in Manchester on Wednesday.[LNB]"I don't feel under pressure at all," said the 63-year-old.[LNB]"Tottenham weren't in the top four when I came here. We've done very well since then.[LNB]"I like the way we play and I'm proud of that. We'll only improve.[LNB]"We've got international players so it's not like they are lacking experience. They've been around, in World Cups and big games. It shouldn't be a problem for them."[LNB]City boss Roberto Mancini should be the one who is feeling more pressure, with Champions League qualification thought to be one of the requirements for him to remain in his post this summer.[LNB]With former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira likely to start against his old rivals, and the lucrative prize money on offer, the game is set to be a tense and entertaining encounter.[LNB]"I'm sure it will feel like a cup final with the atmosphere," Redknapp said.[LNB]"It's so important, that fourth place.[LNB]"City are tough opposition. I thought they'd draw against Villa but they came back."[LNB]Gomes was clearly in discomfort as he hobbled through the post-match parade which took place after Saturday's final home game of the season.[LNB]Redknapp said that he will play England Under-21 keeper Ben Alnwick, rather than seek an emergency loan, if the former PSV stopper can not see out the rest of the campaign.[LNB]The 29-year-old admitted that he does not know whether he will be able to play on Wednesday.[LNB]"My groin is a little bit sore," said the Brazilian after Saturday's game.[LNB]"I don't know if I will be able to play on Wednesday, I'll have to go for a scan at hospital first."
