Harry - Confidence the key

Tottenham boss relishing Arsenal clash

Last updated: 28th October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Harry - Confidence the key

Redknapp: Upbeat

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Harry Redknapp is looking forward to the clash with Arsenal on Wednesday and believes Tottenham will soon start to climb the table.

Spurs beat Bolton 2-0 in Redknapp's first game at the helm over the weekend but they remain bottom of the Premier League with just five points.

Redknapp has now had more time to work with his players and feels confident that Tottenham can improve quickly if a more positive mindset is adopted.

The manager accepts that it will be difficult for Tottenham at Emirates Stadium but has set his sights on a bright future for the club.

"It was important that we got that win on Sunday, it gave the place a lift and coming in on Monday morning the atmosphere was a lot different to what it could have been," Redknapp said on Sky Sports News.

"The lads have all got a smile on their face looking forward to a new beginning.

"It will be a tough task (against Arsenal). Going to Emirates Stadium is always difficult and there will be a great atmosphere but I was impressed with how we played on Sunday.

"I was also impressed yesterday with the players in training who weren't even playing and if we can show our quality we will quickly move up the table."

Hard work

Asked if Tottenham could close the gap on Arsenal, Redknapp replied: "It is going to take time.

"They have moved away from us this season but with hard work it is a gap that can be closed.

"They are both major clubs and it is up to us to get Tottenham back to where they should be.

"This is a football club with great tradition and it is up to me to instil confidence back into the players."

Redknapp added Kevin Bond to his coaching team on Monday and he is keen to bring more people on board.

"I would like to get Tim (Sherwood) involved. I think he has got something to offer and is a terrific football person.

"I haven't spoken to Teddy (Sheringham), but what a footballer he was. He has a great football brain.

"There are people like that who have a lot to offer and have a history with the club, Les Ferdinand as well.

"You want to encourage one or two of these younger lads who are doing their coaching badges to come in because we have to produce some young English managers."

There have been suggestions that Redknapp will look to raid his former club Portsmouth for players when the January transfer window opens but he insists he has no plans at this stage.

He explained: "I have not spoken to anybody. I am not going to go back and start doing that. I want to get on with the job here.

"They have got some fantastic players there but I wouldn't be making contact with anybody there.

"There are one or two areas we could do with a bit more strength in depth but it is hard to say how many players I might need (in January)."

King and Gomes

Redknapp also backed Ledley King to continue as captain despite his injury problems.

The defender has only featured in around half of Spurs' games this season due to concerns over a longstanding knee problem and Redknapp admits he will have to manage him carefully.

Asked if he was happy for King to stay as captain, Redknapp answered: "For sure. He is a great guy and when he is fit he is a fantastic centre-half.

"He is strong, great in the air and he's played in midfield as well. He is an England player really.

"We just have to nurse Ledley along. He is so important to us."

Redknapp also gave his support to goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, who has been criticised for a number of erratic performances.

"He is a top keeper," said Redknapp. "He is a brave keeper who does not hide on his line.

"Everybody who has watched him over the years in Holland will see he is world class.

"I like him, he's a character. He looks to me like he could go on to become a real outstanding goalkeeper in the Premier League."