• Premier League

Redknapp repairs Rafa rift

ESPNsoccernet staff
October 15, 2011
Rafael van der Vaart is happier playing a central role © Getty Images
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Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp insists there are no problems between he and Rafael van der Vaart after the forward branded claims he had criticised his manager as "rubbish".

Van der Vaart scored the opener in Spurs' 2-1 win over Arsenal two weeks ago, but revealed he was unhappy at being made to play on the right wing in the absence of Aaron Lennon.

The strong partnership that Jermain Defoe and new signing Emmanuel Adebayor have developed this season has meant that Van der Vaart has regularly been deployed in wide positions.

The former Real Madrid forward, who prefers to play behind a main striker, was quoted in the Dutch press last week saying he had been left "irritated" by the situation, but Redknapp revealed today that the 28-year-old had approached him to say the comments had been misunderstood.

"Rafa came to see me and said to me he didn't know where all that rubbish came from," Redknapp said. "Rafa is a great lad. I've not got a problem with him. He is a bright, well-mannered, fantastic footballer.

"He played there (on the wing) last year for us, probably seven or eight games and we had some great results. Some of our best results came that way."

Van der Vaart may have the opportunity to play up front in Sunday afternoon's trip to Newcastle as Adebayor is a major doubt due to a hamstring injury.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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