Source: Daily_Mail
Tottenham's Harry Redknapp: Champions League qualification would be 'a miracle'
Coming back down to earth: Spurs are going from the San Siro to Bloomfield Road in a week[LNB]Harry Redknapp insisted it would be a 'miracle' if Tottenham qualified for the Champions League again this season, but the Spurs boss could go a long way towards turning water into wine by winning at Blackpool. [LNB]Victory at Bloomfield Road would see Tottenham move into third place, a point above Manchester City and five points better off than Chelsea, having played a game more than the champions. [LNB]Spurs still have to go to Eastlands and Stamford Bridge - as well as Anfield - this season but they are riding high after their 1-0 win against AC Milan a week ago. [LNB]Redknapp said: 'From the San Siro to Blackpool, that's what football is about. [LNB]'I think people get carried away thinking Tottenham should be in the Champions League. Why should we be in the Champions League? It would be a miracle if we did that. We'd never been in the Champions League before. Suddenly we do it and it's, "Oh well, weshould do it again".[LNB] 'Look at Man City, Chelsea. Have a look at their wage bill and the money they pay out. Why should we finish above them?[LNB] 'I think that if we make the top four it'll be a fantastic achievement for the players, but it will be tough.' [LNB]Leading scorer Rafael van der Vaart will missthe match after a recurrence of a calf injury while Redknapp is down tofour defenders - William Gallas, Sebastien Bassong, Michael Dawson and Benoit Assou-Ekotto - with no recognised right back. [LNB] Injury blow: Rafael van der Vaart (centre) is out of the Blackpool game with calf trouble[LNB] Gallas is likely to fill in this evening. In contrast to Spurs and their Champions League dream, Ian Holloway has delivered a rousing speech to his Blackpool players to try to galvanise them into safeguarding their place in the Barclays Premier League. [LNB]'I just gave them a little pep talk and reminded them all of how proud they should be of what they have done so far,' said the Blackpool manager, whose side managed a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on February 12 which, prior to a 10-day break, halted a run of five straight defeats. [LNB]'With the budget we've got, we should be bottom of the table by a zillion miles.[LNB] 'Not just the budget, but other problems as well, the sort you would not f ind in the Championship, let alone the Premier League. Things like the showers not working and parts of the pitch resembling the top of my head. [LNB]'We have conceded late goals that have proved costly in a couple of games as well, and that sort of thing can rock you right back on your heels.[LNB]'But we need to remember that another four wins could be enough to see us safe.' [LNB] Gattuso handed four-match ban for headbutting Spurs coach Joe JordanRedknapp for England! Blackpool boss Holloway backs Harry to replace FabioDo you lads fancy pie and mash? David Beckham orders in the traditional dish as he waves farewell to TottenhamVan der Vaart aggravates calf injury but should return for Wolves clash[LNB] Explore more:People: Ian Holloway, Michael Dawson, William Gallas, Harry Redknapp, Sebastien Bassong
