Redknapp refutes long ball claims

By Brian Lofrumento | 9th February 2010

Redknapp refutes long ball claims | read this item

Following Brad Friedel’s controversial comments criticizing Tottenham’s style of play, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has strongly refuted the idea that his team utilize a long ball style of play. The criticism came after Tottenham played out to a bore 0-0 draw with Aston Villa where Friedel complained that Spurs simply launched the ball up to Peter Crouch.

“That’s rubbish. Absolute nonsense. We pass the ball to death and hit Crouchy in the right areas,” said Redknapp.

“They got labeled a long-ball team by Arsenal, maybe a couple of their players wanted to pass the buck to us but I wouldn’t know what a long-ball team was.

“If you can hit a 50-yard pass, it’s better than a 10-yard pass or a backwards one. It’s about creating strikes on goals, if it’s 50 yards then it’s a great ball. It’s about quality.

“Every time we hit Crouchy against Villa he knocked the ball down and we had chances to score. If you are going to have Peter Crouch in your team you have to use him, you can’t expect him to run up channels or to come short. That’s not his game.

“He is an option when teams fill up the midfield and you can’t pass through them. We have that great option to miss out the midfield, hit him and pick things up around the box.

“That is what makes us a much better team – we have options and don’t have to keep passing.

“You can pass all day. We’ve seen that recently from teams. People say they are playing fantastic football but they are not winning games.

“We are playing fantastic football but also have an option with Crouchy as well, which is good.”

Champions League contenders

Redknapp also responded to questions concerning his side’s chances of claiming the coveted fourth Champions League spot. The English manager declared Liverpool the rivals, but insists his side will fight until the end.

“We’re still right there. It’s not easy to win games, Manchester City showed that against Hull at the weekend.

“We’ve only had one defeat in 12 games and everyone is in the peak of their form. We’ve got a big chance still.

“We know it will be difficult, Liverpool are back where people thought they would be at the start of the season. It will be hard to finish above them to start with but it’s good we have a chance.

“Liverpool are are probably favorites. Man City, ourselves and Villa are pushing. It’s going to be tight.”

Can Tottenham really take fourth place? Have your say in the comments section below!