April 11, 2011

Redknapp defends Crouch and aims for top four finish

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has defended striker Peter Crouch following the players sending off against Real Madrid, and has aimed for a top four finish to secure Champions League football for next season.

Crouch was sent off after 14 minutes at the Bernabeu for two reckless challenges, which meant 10 men Spurs had an uphill battle and lost 4-0 to Los Blancos. Crouch did much to repay the debt however on Saturday, as the England hitman scored a brace in a 3-2 home win against Stoke.

Speaking after the Stoke game Crouch said: “The fans were magnificent and have been great to me since I got here. I was down after Tuesday’s game, but after a couple of goals and a win today I’ve gone some way to repaying their faith. I apologised to the manager and to the players [on Tuesday], but I got the opportunity to apologise to the fans as well today for what were a couple of silly tackles.”

Redknapp is glad that his team has bounced back after their European humbling, and has targeted Manchester City and fourth place. Speaking with the BBC Redknapp said: “We’ve had a great run in the Champions League and we want more of it. If we can do it again next year and get back in the Champions League it will be an even bigger achievement because Manchester City have improved massively since finishing fifth last year.”

All Spurs eyes will be on the game between Manchester City and Liverpool at Anfield tonight, and Redknapp will be hoping that Kenny Dalglish’s side can do them a favour by beating the team from Eastlands.