Pompey delay return home

Portsmouth squad head for the beach

Last updated: 3rd October 2008

Pompey delay return home

Redknapp: Relieved

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Harry Redknapp has delayed Portsmouth's return from Portugal following their dramatic extra-time Uefa Cup victory over Vitoria Guimaraes.

Pompey took a two-goal lead into the second leg in Portugal, but that was wiped out as Guimaraes took the match into extra-time after winning 2-0 on the night.

But England striker Peter Crouch was on hand to grab two goals in added time to secure a place in the group stages for Redknapp's men.

However, Redknapp admits that he faces a race against time to get his players right for their next Premier League clash against Stoke on Sunday.

"We've put our flight back so they can have a swim," said Redknapp.

"There are no ice baths in the hotel, so they'll be in the sea in the morning.

"It's freezing cold but it's the only way they're going to get the acid out of their legs.

"They need to get rid of the lactic acid in time for the weekend, because now games will come thick and fast.

"They're all knackered and had massages straight after the game."

Redknapp admitted he was pleased to progress.

"It was a topsy-turvy game, and Vitoria (Guimaraes) were fantastic in the first half with their movement and passing," he admitted.

"We played with wing-backs again after the good result it got us at Everton, but we didn't get the ball wide enough to make use of it until the second half.

"Technically Vitoria are a brilliant side, and we couldn't cope with them before half-time. But we changed it a bit in the second half - and after that, there was always going to be only one winner.

"You could say we made hard work of it, but we got there in the end - and Peter Crouch took his goals very well.

"The league is still our priority. But it's good to have got through to the group stage, and we'll take it match by match from now on."

Not happy

Guimaraes coach Manuel Cajuda was left furious that Pompey midfielder Lassana Diarra did not pick up a red card for the second game in succession.

Diarra, dismissed against Tottenham last weekend, kicked out at Brazilian defender Andrezinho after being caught by a late challenge.

"It was a clear red-card offence by the Portsmouth player - and if he had been sent off it would have made a big difference," claimed Cajuda.

"My players put in a strong performance to come back from two goals down after the first leg, and I believe we would have won it but for two crucial saves by David James."