Redknapp: I need better players at Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp admitted he needs stronger and better players after his misfiring side scraped into the Carling Cup final, despite losing 3-2 at Burnley on Wednesday night.
The struggling cup holders, who secured an aggregate 6-4 victory in their semi-final at Turf Moor, are also embroiled in a Premier League relegation battle and Redknapp says he needs new players because a number of his squad are simply not up to the job.
"It's a hard job I have on here, believe you me," said the former Portsmouth boss.
"I keep saying that we need stronger players in here because we're not mentally or physically strong enough."
Tottenham have not won for six league games and, with injuries piling up, Redknapp fears his side will struggle to cope.
Midfielder
Jamie O'Hara sustained a groin strain against Burnley and defenders
Jonathan Woodgate and
Michael Dawson also picked up knocks to join a growing casualty list.
Redknapp insists he will have to field his weakest team possible when Spurs face Manchester United at Old Trafford in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, because Tuesday's home clash against fellow Premier League strugglers Stoke City is his priority.
"We're in a relegation battle and I can't risk O'Hara, Woodgate and Dawson at Old Trafford in the Cup.
"It's a challenge and it can't get any worse. When I took over we had two points from eight games but Stoke is a massive game for us."
Debutant goalkeeper
Ben Alnwick was at fault for Burnley's first and third goals, scored by Robbie Blake and substitute Jay Rodriguez, which sandwiched Chris McCann's 73rd-minute strike and ensured the tie went to extra-time.
And with first-choice goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes set to remain sidelined this weekend due to injury, Alnwick will line up between the posts at Old Trafford.
Redknapp added:
"He's the only goalkeeper I've got and this is a football club that has been put together by I don't know who and I don't know how.
"It's a mish-mash of players with people playing where they want to play. It's scary.
"I have to go to Old Trafford with that group of players that we had tonight.
"I can't risk Woodgate on Saturday because we've got Stoke on Tuesday and I will go to Old Trafford with the weakest team I can possibly find."
Meanwhile, Cesar Sanchez is set to put the finishing touches on his switch from Tottenham to Valencia on Friday.
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http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=611767&sec=england&cc=3436
'arry really knows how to inspire confidence in his players. He also appears to be a master of shifting the blame.
Fraud.
