Redknapp: City not title contenders

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp does not expect Manchester City to become Premier League champions this season, saying 'they've a long way to go'. Roberto Mancini's men had been tipped to challenge for the title after a summer of heavy spending in the transfer market, but Redknapp still regards Chelsea and Manchester United as the teams to beat.The Tottenham manager was not impressed by City's performance on Saturday as they claimed a goalless draw at White Hart Lane.Spurs carved out several good chances and were only denied three points by a stunning display from City goalkeeper Joe Hart."I wouldn't tip City from what I've seen," said Redknapp. "I wouldn't say they'll win the championship. They have a long way to go. Chelsea are a team, Man United are a team. "They are fantastic teams with people who have been there, done it all and won everything, Champions League winners."So I wouldn't see City finishing above them."Redknapp believes City will face a battle just to secure Champions League qualification - and has advised his rivals to play more positively."They'll find it more difficult to win games if they set up as defensively as they did against us," he explained."I was more concerned when Adebayor came on late in the game. "If they spend enough they'll get there in the end but certainly this year, I wouldn't see them being champions."They have a chance of finishing in the top four but Arsenal will be close to the title this year and Liverpool are going to be strong."Tottenham clinched fourth place last season and meet Young Boys of Berne in the first leg of the Champions League play-off round on Tuesday night.However, Ledley King will sit out the match in Switzerland as Redknapp does not want to take any risks with the defender's troublesome knee."The game in Berne is on Astroturf. It could ruin his knee," said the manager.

Source: Team_Talk