‘Pressure is on Man City,' says Spurs boss Redknapp
Thursday, 12th January 2012
Thursday, January 12 2012
SPURS manager Harry Redknapp has issued a title warning to league leaders Manchester City, while also telling his own charges to keep their feet firmly on the ground.
Speaking after the 2-0 home victory against Everton on Wednesday night, which saw his team move level on points with Manchester United in second spot, Redknapp insisted he wasn't thinking of the title – just plotting how to beat Wolves on Saturday.
“I do not look any further than the next game against Wolves here on Saturday,” he said. “I know we are level with United and three points behind City but all I am thinking about is our next game. Wolves will be difficult to beat and we have to concentrate on that.”
He downplayed the growing excitement that Spurs can genuinely offer a title challenge as the spring arrives.
He said: “I have said all along it is not impossible but it would be very difficult. But we do have a good chance. We are up there and all I can do is not put any pressure on the players. I want them to play with smiles on their faces and enjoy it. The pressure is on Manchester City, if you look at their squad and the cash they have spent. If we make the Champions League, I won't be disappointed and finishing above Arsenal would be a great achievement.”
Spurs hit a goal either side of half-time through Aaron Lennon and Benoit Assou-Ekotto to seal the points.
Redknapp singled out youngster Jake Livermore for praise after the midfielder stepped in to replace the injured Scott Parker and Sandro at the heart of the Spurs midfield and had a barnstorming game.
He added: “I am delighted with him. He is a good professional. When I first came here he had an injury but he is good enough to play for anybody and is a fantastic boy.”