Harry Redknapp
is unfazed by the past as Tottenham look to end their
Chelsea
hoodoo
No time for history: Harry Redknapp
First the good news: Tottenham were the last team to
beat Chelsea in the league. Now the bad news: they have not won at
Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool or Arsenal in 63
attempts.
Tottenham's last away win over one of the modern top four was at
Liverpool 16 years ago - Teddy Sheringham's goals earning a 2-1
victory. Also, Spurs have not won a league game at Stamford Bridge
since 1990.
Just as well Harry Redknapp puts little store in what has gone
before. And if such statistics are irrelevant to Redknapp, the same
goes for many of his team - a case of ignorance is bliss.
He said: 'If you ask Wilson Palacios about Tottenham's record
with Chelsea he wouldn't have a clue, would he? Sebastien Bassong
wouldn't have a clue.
'Benoit Assou-Ekotto wouldn't even have a clue who Chelsea are!
I don't think it will be "We can't beat Chelsea". It's another
game, against a top, top team.'
Redknapp has not been banging the top-four drum despite
Tottenham's impressive start to the campaign - with the loss to
Manchester United the only blip. But, if he considers his side to
be a work in progress, then he has little doubt about Chelsea's
claim to be the finished article.
That said, he dismisses the notion that Carlo Ancelotti has had
it easy after inheriting a quality team. 'Nah, he's a terrific
coach as well,' said Redknapp. 'He's got really good ideas. I know
Frank Lampard is impressed with him. It's about good players but
you have to get the best out of them.'
The renaissance of Didier Drogba under Ancelotti is a case in
point, so Redknapp is hoping that Ledley King can defy his chronic
knee problem again.
'When Drogba is playing as he is, he really is an unbelievably
powerful striker,' said Redknapp. 'But Ledley's in great form and
strong and quick as well. I'm sure Drogba will know he's in a
game.'
For Chelsea, Joe Cole may return after eight months out with
knee ligament damage. 'Joe will overcome his injury,' said
Redknapp. 'He's fearless. He was always going to be a top player,
just the most amazing kid I've ever seen.'
Given that reference, Redknapp could be forgiven for hoping his
former protégé will be on the bench for one more game as Spurs look
to make it 64th time lucky.
Chelsea are chasing a club record 12 successive league wins and
Ancelotti is unconcerned about the goalscoring form of Jermain
Defoe. He said: 'When a striker like him scores in every game you
have to pay particular attention. But we will do a job on him.'
