Harry Redknapp targets top spot for Tottenham
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Harry Redknapp set Tottenham the target of finishing top in Group A after his side secured their passage to the knockout stages of the Champions League by destroying Werder Bremen last night.
Just three weeks after Tottenham put three past reigning champions Inter Milan, Redknapp's side repeated the feat again at White Hart Lane, this time strolling past an injury-ravaged Bremen side 3-0 thanks to goals from Younes Kaboul, Luka Modric and Peter Crouch.
The win - with a rare clean sheet - keeps Spurs level on points with Inter at the top of the table, ahead of the club's final group game against FC Twente in two weeks' time.
Redknapp is keen for Spurs to beat the Dutch side in order to avoid the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, who are all certain to top their groups, in the last 16.
"We have enjoyed it so far. Hopefully now we can get a result at Twente," said Redknapp.
"That would be good because finishing top of the group is a big advantage, looking at the other groups.
"There are some good teams in this competition: the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona. I want to win the next match and go as far as we can."
Aside from his second-half penalty miss, Gareth Bale put in another impressive performance in which he rattled the woodwork twice and ran Bremen right-back Clemens Fritz ragged.
"Some of the stuff Gareth did was amazing," said the Tottenham boss.
"Some of the crosses he put in on the run were amazing.
"It was a bit like when we played Inter with their right-back [Maicon].
"We had reports about how good Bremen's right-back was, how he likes to get forward and trouble people, but Gareth gave him a torrid time again."
Redknapp is waiting on the fitness of Rafael van der Vaart and Jermaine Jenas ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Liverpool.
Van der Vaart missed last night's win with an ankle problem while Jenas limped off after 20 minutes with a calf injury.
"JJ felt his calf tighten up," Redknapp explained.
"He felt suddenly as if something had gone. He'll go for a scan in the morning. He may have caught it in time. It's a shame because he has been playing well.
"I don't know if Rafa will be fit for the weekend.
"He has a little tear so he's doubtful, for sure."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments