Redknapp hails ‘impossible dream’ as Spurs join Barcelona in quarter-finals
HARRY Redknapp believes that Tottenham have achieved ‘an impossible dream’ by reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Spurs held AC Milan to a goalless draw at White Hart Lane last night to secure a 1-0 aggregate victory in the last 16, following their win at the San Siro three weeks ago.
And Redknapp admits that the Lilywhites have achieved something special as they take their place in the last eight alongside the likes of Barcelona.
“I thought the fans were already dreaming, I thought this was an impossible dream that we have achieved so far,” said the Tottenham manager. “Two years ago you wouldn’t have seen this coming.
“It’s our first year in the club’s history we have ever qualified for Champions League football so that was a fantastic achievement, and to have won our group and then do what we have done against AC Milan, it’s fantastic. Anything else is a bonus. The fans have to enjoy it and see what comes.
“It’s all about the fans. They will have something to be proud of and that’s all that matters to me. It’s a great night for Tottenham.”
Redknapp admits that AC Milan, and particularly the performance of their captain Clarence Seedorf, torpedoed Spurs’ original plan to attack their visitors.
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However, the Lilywhites boss was more than happy with his side’s rearguard action, and a second successive clean sheet against the current Italian Serie A leaders.
“It was always going to be nervy night. If you think you are going to smash AC Milan out of sight then obviously you haven’t been watching football over the years, “said Redknapp. “It was what I expected. It was always going to be a tough night.
“Sometimes when you have the lead it puts you in a very difficult situation. I said before the game ‘Let’s get after them’ but we found it difficult to get the ball.
“They played with a diamond and tightened it up in midfield, and Seedorf was amazing. It was difficult. We were playing against AC Milan, they’re top of the Italian team. They had only lost three games this season, we weren’t playing Rag-arse Rovers.
“I thought we worked very hard to stay in contact with them. We defended for our lives and the keeper did well for us, taking some catches. We would have taken 0-0.”
