Spurs boss salutes under-fire Arsenal rival ahead of derby date
Redknapp and Wenger: North London rivals will go head-to-head
again on Sunday.
Harry Redknapp has hailed Arsene Wenger as a 'great manager' as he prepares to put his wits against the Frenchman in Sunday's North London derby.
Friday marks the 15th anniversary of Wenger's appointment as Arsenal manager, but if his team's recent form is anything to go by, there is not much reason for the Frenchman to celebrate.
The departure of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, coupled with the 8-2 humbling at Old Trafford and the shock 4-3 reverse to Blackburn saw some supporters calling for his head.
But Tottenham boss Redknapp insists sacking the man who has brought three Premier League titles to the club since he moved from Japan would be foolish.
"You know what it's like in football. You lose a few games and suddenly Arsene Wenger's a poor manager," Redknapp said.
Great manager:
"The man's been a great manager at Arsenal and I am sure he will be for many years to come. God knows what people are saying about him on the radio.
"They have had injuries. That has been the problem. I think the centre-half (Thomas) Vermaelen is top drawer. They have missed him. I think he is a fantastic player."
Redknapp has only lost one of six North London derby meetings in the league since taking over and he is confident about taking all three points this weekend.
"They'll be difficult to beat but we are a very good team as well so I fancy our chances against anybody," the 64-year-old said.
"I am confident in my own team. I just feel we have good players here. Scott Parker and (Emmanuel) Adebayor coming in have made a massive difference to us.
"Sandro coming back from his long-term injury gives us strength. He's a fantastic player so we look strong."
Respect
And Redknapp is sure that there will be no repeat of Adebayor's infamous goal celebration if the on-loan Manchester City striker scores against former club again on Sunday.
Redknapp feels he has no need to talk to Adebayor about his behaviour this weekend and is confident that the giant striker will not go over the top.
The Spurs boss said: "I'm sure he won't over-react again. I think he apologised last time. He's got a lot of respect for Arsenal still but he loves it here now, he's a Tottenham player.
"I've never spoken to him about it. I hope he does score a couple of times. I hope he slides on his knees and celebrates.
"I am sure he's going to get plenty of abuse come the weekend but he has just got to get on with his game.
"You can't react to that. He's got to get on with it. Fans are entitled to give players all the stick in the world so long as it's in the bounds of decency."
again on Sunday.
Harry Redknapp has hailed Arsene Wenger as a 'great manager' as he prepares to put his wits against the Frenchman in Sunday's North London derby.
Friday marks the 15th anniversary of Wenger's appointment as Arsenal manager, but if his team's recent form is anything to go by, there is not much reason for the Frenchman to celebrate.
The departure of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, coupled with the 8-2 humbling at Old Trafford and the shock 4-3 reverse to Blackburn saw some supporters calling for his head.
But Tottenham boss Redknapp insists sacking the man who has brought three Premier League titles to the club since he moved from Japan would be foolish.
"You know what it's like in football. You lose a few games and suddenly Arsene Wenger's a poor manager," Redknapp said.
Great manager:
"The man's been a great manager at Arsenal and I am sure he will be for many years to come. God knows what people are saying about him on the radio.
"They have had injuries. That has been the problem. I think the centre-half (Thomas) Vermaelen is top drawer. They have missed him. I think he is a fantastic player."
Redknapp has only lost one of six North London derby meetings in the league since taking over and he is confident about taking all three points this weekend.
"They'll be difficult to beat but we are a very good team as well so I fancy our chances against anybody," the 64-year-old said.
"I am confident in my own team. I just feel we have good players here. Scott Parker and (Emmanuel) Adebayor coming in have made a massive difference to us.
"Sandro coming back from his long-term injury gives us strength. He's a fantastic player so we look strong."
Respect
And Redknapp is sure that there will be no repeat of Adebayor's infamous goal celebration if the on-loan Manchester City striker scores against former club again on Sunday.
Redknapp feels he has no need to talk to Adebayor about his behaviour this weekend and is confident that the giant striker will not go over the top.
The Spurs boss said: "I'm sure he won't over-react again. I think he apologised last time. He's got a lot of respect for Arsenal still but he loves it here now, he's a Tottenham player.
"I've never spoken to him about it. I hope he does score a couple of times. I hope he slides on his knees and celebrates.
"I am sure he's going to get plenty of abuse come the weekend but he has just got to get on with his game.
"You can't react to that. He's got to get on with it. Fans are entitled to give players all the stick in the world so long as it's in the bounds of decency."
Source: www.skysports.com
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