Redknapp believes in miracles as Spurs aim to put Bernabeu misery behind them
TOTTENHAM 0 vs REAL MADRID 4
TOTTENHAM manager Harry Rekdnapp insists his side are capable of producing what would represent the greatest European comeback of all time against Real Madrid tonight.
The nine-times winners cantered to an emphatic 4-0 victory over 10-man Spurs at the Bernabeu last week, and never before has such a first leg deficit been overturned in the history of the Champions League.
But Redknapp, who cited Fulham’s comeback from 4-1 down on aggregate against Juventus in last season’s Europa League as cause for optimism, believes all is not lost for Spurs.
“We are in a situation where everybody feels the tie is over. It will take a miracle but miracles can happen,” Redknapp said. “I went to see Fulham play Juventus in the Europa League last season. They were 3-1 down from the first leg and conceded another goal in the second leg but still came back to win.
“It was one of the great games I’ve seen and showed anything is possible. If we play well you never know what can happen.
“It’s a fantastic game to look forward to. Obviously we would like to be in a position where the score is a lot closer but the first leg didn’t go our way for reasons we all know. As long as we give it our best shot I can’t ask any more. We have to turn in a good performance and see how it develops. Hopefully we can make a real game of it.” He quipped: “I will be happy if it goes to penalties, we’ve been practising.”
Despite his positive outlook, Redknapp has opted against informing his players they require a comeback of record breaking proportions to progress.
“I haven’t told them that,” Redknapp joked. “They might ring me up and say ‘what’s the use in coming, can I go shopping?”.
If Spurs are to give Madrid a fright they will need a stellar performance from Luka Modric, who was overwhelmed and overrun in a the first leg following the early dismissal of Peter Crouch.
Modric lists Gladiator among his favourite films and the Croatia midfielder wants Spurs to play with the fearlessness shown by the warriors in the Russell Crowe movie.
“I watched that movie a lot of times. I won’t watch it before the game but it is true we need to show big fighting spirit like in the movie,”?Modric said. “Against Real that is the only way we can expect something from the game.”