Source: SKY_Sports
Redknapp lays down gauntlet
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Harry Redknapp sees no reason why Tottenham cannot challenge for Champions League football this season.[LNB] Everton are the only team outside the 'big four' to qualify for Europe's premier club competition in the last six seasons while Aston Villa were in the top four until late last season.[LNB]Both Villa and Manchester City have spent big in the transfer market this summer, while Spurs have also been busy.[LNB]And having won their opening four games in the Premier League, Redknapp has urged his players to believe it can be them that breaks up the big four this season.[LNB]"We've got to aim to try to do that," said the Spurs boss. "It's time for someone to do it.[LNB]"Aston Villa are looking strong with the signings they have made, Everton will be pushing and Manchester City look strong. But it's possible for someone to do it and why not Spurs?[LNB]Target"A European place would be good, but a Champions League place would be even better."[LNB]Spurs have already beaten Liverpool this season and will face a stern examination of their credentials over their next two league games - against Manchester United and Chelsea.[LNB]"I would take four points from the next two games," he said. "We would all start believing if we did that but it's two tough games.[LNB]"They're two of the top four sides in Europe, but we've given everyone a game since I've been here, especially at home."[LNB]Spurs were rock bottom at this stage last season after a wretched start under previous boss Juande Ramos.[LNB]But Redknapp has gradually changed the attitude at White Hart Lane since taking charge last October.[LNB]Dedication"We've got good players and characters now and they've made a big difference in terms of playing and in terms of how professional they are, dedicating themselves to being top players," he said.[LNB]"They're playing with confidence and we're building a good spirit, they are pulling together and winning is a good feeling.[LNB]"It's nice to hear people saying nice things to you. They don't want to go through what happened at the beginning of last season when people were saying bad things.[LNB]"The atmosphere is different when you are winning. The place is buzzing. When things aren't going so well it's obviously very different.[LNB]"It's a nice place to be around at the moment. Competition for places is important as well, and everyone knows they have to play well at the moment."[LNB]
