We’ll be back, insists Spurs boss Harry Redknapp

Published: 14th April, 2011
by DAN CARRIER

CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE
Spurs 0, Real Madrid 1

SPURS boss Harry Redknapp vowed his team would be back next year to have another crack at the Champions League, after crashing out to Real Madrid last night (Wednesday) at the Lane.

Redknapp, speaking after the 1-0 quarter-final second leg defeat that made the tie a 5-0 loss over the two legs, said: “The mood in the dressing room is good. We’ve enjoyed the run and the players want to be back again next year.”

With big league games coming up, Redknapp insisted the result would only push his players on to make sure they have the chance compete together at the highest level next season.

He said: “It would be a great achievement if we could do it again. It is going to be hard because Manchester City have improved their squad, but I still think we have a big, big chance. 

“There are some great games to look forward to and there is everything to play for. 

“It has got the makings of a great end to the season again.”

The home team started brightly and had a decent penalty claim in the third minute when Bale was bundled over. Roman Pavly­uchenko, Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart all had openings, but the experience of Madrid told as they kept possession while Spurs huffed and puffed.

Despite throwing what they could at Madrid the final ball was missing, and on 49 minutes a speculative effort from Christiano Ronaldo was spilled by keeper Gomes to end any faint hopes of a miraculous comeback.

Redknapp added: “Having just 10 men in the away game meant our task tonight was impossible. But I felt tonight the game was balanced. We had a couple of good penalty shouts, but really I have no complaints.”