Source: Eurosport
Redknapp Wants Return To Europe
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is keen to embark on another European adventure next season even though this year's caused him more problems that it was worth.[LNB]Redknapp attracted an immense amount of criticism for fielding a weakened team in a UEFA Cup tie with Shakhtar Donetsk last February which ultimately proved too much of a handicap for Spurs to overcome.[LNB]Yet Redknapp still retains some enthusiasm for the newly-named Europa League. And he has vowed Spurs will maintain their push for a top seven berth that would get them into the competition next term.[LNB]"I would love to say I went to Tottenham when they were bottom of the league with two points and ended up qualifying for Europe," he said.[LNB]"It is not so much that I am desperate to get into Europe. I am desperate to get a European place for the pride and satisfaction of my owner.[LNB]"A lot has been said about what we did in Europe this year but if you look back, you will see I had a go for it when I first arrived.[LNB]"It was only later on that it became an impossibility because we were in the Carling Cup final and a relegation battle as well."[LNB]It is difficult to recall now that Tottenham spent two-thirds of the campaign genuinely fearful about ending up in the Championship.[LNB]Despite Saturday's defeat at Manchester United, Tottenham retain a realistic hope of clinching that all-important seventh spot.[LNB]The Londoners are just three points adrift of Fulham. And, while West Ham, Manchester City and Wigan are also in contention, Spurs' recent form suggest they will be able to claw themselves nearer to the Holy Grail over the final four games.[LNB]It would represent one of the more remarkable achievements of Redknapp's managerial career, although that is not where he expects the current Spurs story to end.[LNB]Three years have passed since the side managed by Martin Jol agonisingly missed out on a Champions League berth when they were pipped by old rivals Arsenal on the final day of the season.[LNB]When he assesses his current squad and inserts a couple of noteworthy additions this summer, Redknapp can see no reason why Tottenham should not put themselves in a position to do it again.[LNB]"We have played some fantastic football lately and we are a very improved team," said Redknapp.[LNB]"There are lots of things to look forward to at Tottenham next year.[LNB]"If we can get off to a decent start there is no reason why we can't get into that top group and maybe even push the top four.[LNB]"One or two additions in the summer will make a big difference to us."[LNB]
