• Premier League

England speculation not affecting Spurs - Redknapp

ESPN staff
March 12, 2012
Harry Redknapp insists Tottenham can still finish third © Getty Images
Enlarge

Harry Redknapp has poured scorn on claims speculation over the England job is having a negative effect on Tottenham's season.

Redknapp is the bookmakers' favourite to replace Fabio Capello as England manager, but despite the Spurs boss' insistence he remains fully focused on matters at White Hart Lane, their bid for third place has faltered after a third successive defeat at Everton on Saturday.

Spurs could have gone 13 points clear of Arsenal if they had won the north London derby a fortnight ago; now the Gunners could close the gap to a single point if they beat Newcastle on Monday.

But despite Spurs' recent slump, Redknapp insists it is not linked to speculation surrounding his future and remains confident Tottenham will hold off Arsenal to finish third.

"Absolute rubbish, absolute rubbish, absolute rubbish," Redknapp said. "You saw the effort. How can it destabilise the team when they come out and play like they did and keep on going?

"The players' ain't just gone: 'The manager is leaving we ain't bothered any more.' We have had three very, very difficult games. We just need a bit of luck. We have moved into that top group now and that's where Tottenham will be for years to come, I still think we will finish third."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices