Redknapp wants return to europe

[costa_9_2]

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.
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.
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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"It was only later on that it became an impossibility because we were in the Carling Cup final and a relegation battle as well."
It is difficult to recall now that Tottenham spent two-thirds of the campaign genuinely fearful about ending up in the Championship.
Despite Saturday's defeat at Manchester United, Tottenham retain a realistic hope of clinching that all-important seventh spot.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"We have played some fantastic football lately and we are a very improved team," said Redknapp.
"There are lots of things to look forward to at Tottenham next year.
"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.
"One or two additions in the summer will make a big difference to us."

Football365.com - REDKNAPP WANTS RETURN TO EUROPE - Tottenham - Football365 News news fixtures live results tables statistics forum mobile features previews reports english premier league UEFA Champions League Intertoto fa Cup premiership united tott

[yidno1]

Well hes changed his tune again hasnt lmao, it was only a few weeks back he was on record saying how he felt in between a rock and hard place as Spurs began to pick points up he could see us taking the last Europa league spot and siad he didnt know if that was a good or bad thing!
You gotta love old Harry for mouthing off then back tracking abit later on bless him, i personally do not want to qualify for this joke of a competition that totally disrupts the whole season adds 15 games plus if you want to actually win it offers zero financial rewards and injures player.
What a great Cup to be in, nah fook it lets push for 4th with no disruptions.
Oh did Harry mention 2 points when he took charge hahaha that will be on his grave stone.

[DanSpurs80]

2 words about the Europa League next season - Poison Chalice.

We need one season out of European competition to build a good EPL squad then move on to the European stage once more. If we were to go straight into the Europa League with our current depth of squad i feel we would struggle to maintain a decent domestic challenge.

Dont get me wrong, i love the big European games midweek but i just cant see us playing all those games with the squad depth we have. Give Harry one domestic season and i gaurantee we will get a trophy.

[P UNIT 1980]

It would draw a better caliber of player to the club though.

Thats a fact fellas.

I understand the sentuments about not entering the competition but.....................

Lets say Us and Manc City are in for the same player and they can offer him Europa League footy.

Would he sign for us if the same financial package was available? (of course I know the same financial package wouldnt be on offer theyd be offering a trillion quid a week compared to our measly 45k).

[yidno1]

Im not sure it is a fact to be honest, it really is a piss poor competition and only thr top players want to play in the Champions league i dont think we would lose out on the players we go after if were not in it.
Wel lose out to Citeh soley on financial terms with players wages.

[DamoSuzuki]

Would we watch the UEFA/Europa Cup if Spurs were not in it??? Can't imagine we would and that is a good measure on what sort of competition it is. Not saying I think the Europa Cup will be a great competition but i'd rather see Spurs in it than not. We could get away with playing a team like Cuds...Hutton..Daws..Chimba..Bale..Gio..Huds..O'Ha ra..Bents..Defoe..Bent etc up until the last 16 anyway so why not try it.