Redknapp Sets Spurs Target Amidst Replacement Speculation
Harry Redknapp may be connected with a Tottenham exit, but the manager is focusing on Champions League qualification
Harry Redknapp has insisted that while he hopes to finish above Arsenal this season, Tottenham are firstly aiming for Champions League qualification, as speculation continues to surround the Spurs man taking up the England job.
The north London club began to recover from their recent slump in form with a 3-1 win over Swansea at the weekend, and the side are now back to level on points with Arsenal, who lose to QPR.
And while Redknapp would love to see Tottenham finish above the Gunners for the first time in his reign at the club, the Englishman has his eyes firmly set on featuring in Europe's top competition.
"I would take five [wins] now," he told Sky Sports. "If we get five we will have Champions League football next year I'm sure of that.
"It is hard to call where the results are going to come and who against and that is what makes it interesting.
"We would love to get third - I would love to finish above Arsenal if I can. If we get Champions League football we will all be delighted again.
"That is the key really, that is what we want - Champions League football next year at Tottenham."
Redknapp speaks longingly of the possibility of Champions League for Spurs, but the manager could well be elsewhere when they get to enjoy the fruits of their labours from this season, with the England job still available.
And while Swansea manager Brendan Rogers has emerged as favourite to take the post at Tottenham if Redknapp does leave, the Swans man insists that he didn't use their match-up to push his case for the job in front of Daniel Levy and co.
"I was only pleased we came here and played," he said.
"We have supporters who are loyal and passionate about their club and spend a fortune travelling to follow us all over the country.
"For us to perform it was for our own needs to gain points and also for them [the fans]. It was certainly no audition for me."
Even if Rogers wasn't considering the day to be an audition, if it was, he appears to have done well to showcase his skills, despite Swansea losing to their opponents 3-1.
"I can't speak highly enough of the job he has done there," Redknapp said of the 39 year old.
"In this country if all the youth teams and kids teams tried to play like they play...that is the way to play the game if you want to produce technical footballers."