Redknapp rues defending

Pompey boss concedes there was a lack of energy in midfield

Last updated: 17th August 2008

Redknapp Harry

Redknapp: Disappointed

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Harry Redknapp admits Portsmouth were guilty of 'schoolboy defending' in their 4-0 defeat at Chelsea.

The FA Cup winners endured a miserable start to the new Premier League campaign and trailed 3-0 at half-time at Stamford Bridge.

Redknapp had no complaints about the result and was critical of the performance of his defence in the heavy loss.

"It's very disappointing," Redknapp told Sky Sports. "We defended like schoolboys at times and people were running from all over the place.

"We were taking goal kicks and they're stepping in front, winning the first header and racing clean on our goal for a one on one, you learn that as a schoolboy.

"The back four, when the ball goes up, might not win the header, but the first thing to do is drop to give yourself a bit of depth, but we just let them run in behind us and that's how we played all day."

Difficult week

New signing Younes Kaboul made his debut in central midfield and Redknapp rued his lack of options after selling Pedro Mendes to Rangers on Friday.

He added: "It's been a difficult week. We had to throw a lad in midfield who's a centre-half because we're short with Pedro going.

"We lost a bit of energy in midfield and Muntari has left, who played in the cup final, so we didn't have enough energy in there."