Harry Redknapp tells Spurs players to seize the moment

Tottenham boss says it’s been too long since club have won a trophy
Wally Downes13 April 2012

Harry Redknapp believes if Tottenham win the FA Cup it could start a long-awaited era of success at White Hart Lane.

Redknapp has transformed Spurs’ fortunes since taking over in 2008, taking them into the Champions League for the first time, and has done such a good job that he is the favourite to be the next England manager.

However, he has yet to win a trophy at White Hart Lane and says it is important that the club emulate Chelsea, Sunday’s opponents in their semi-final at Wembley, and turn their potential into prizes.

And he also said it was vital that the club invest in the squad in the summer if they are to stay in the hunt for honours at home and abroad.

“There isn’t a lot between us and Chelsea except the fact that they have the trophies to prove it,” said the Spurs boss.

“They’ve have been there and done it but we need to do it. Tottenham have won just two trophies (the League Cup twice) since the FA Cup in 1991 so it’s about time we won another trophy and it’s a great chance for us.

“We are not far away but you have to keep improving, next year if we want Champions League football we need to improve again in the summer and that’s obvious you have to keep improving because Manchester United and City and Arsenal will do it and Chelsea aren’t used to being out of it. Liverpool will get stronger and so will Newcastle.

“If you want to be a top-four side and you want to win championships then you have to raise the bar because that’s the only way to do it.

“To be sitting here in fourth and in the FA Cup semi-final when up until probably four or five years ago the average finishing place was probably about 10th so you can get carried away where and who you are.

“If we want to maintain that for the next year and the year after then you have to keep improving, it’s a simple as that.

“It’s not about rebuilding, it’s about adding a little bit of quality like everyone will. Arsenal will and so will Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester City who have already had unbelievable money to spend.

“Alex [Ferguson] will bring in one or two to Manchester United that will be of the highest quality and that’s what we need to do.”

Since Fabio Capello quit as England manager in February, Redknapp has been the favourite to take over the role.

When pressed about whether he would be at Spurs next season, he replied: “I’m still here today but who knows where you are going to be tomorrow?”

Left winger Gareth Bale will not have to face Chelsea right-back Branislav Ivanovic, who is banned by the FA, and the Welshman believes he and his team-mates can beat anyone — and his manager agrees.

“I’m glad he’s got a bit of confidence because on our day we can beat anyone and we can beat Chelsea — within reason we can beat anyone in the Premier League,” said Redknapp. “Let’s hope it’s our day because whoever has the better day will win.”

While Ivanovic is definitelyout of the game, Chelsea’s defence could also be missing left-back Ashley Cole, who sat out Monday’s draw at Fulham due to an ankle injury. There are also doubts over captain John Terry, who broke two ribs against Benfica.

Spurs go into the match with their own defensive problems.

Younes Kaboul (knee) and Michael Dawson (ankle) are out while Ledley King is a doubt with his chronic knee problem, leaving Ryan Nelsen and William Gallas as the only fit senior centre‑halves.

Scott Parker is also a doubt with a hamstring injury but fellow midfielder Tom Huddlestone (ankle) and back-up goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes (knee) will miss the semi-final.

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