MILAN: Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp paid tribute to his defensive midfielders after his side’s historic 1-0 victory at AC Milan in the Champions League.
Spurs have built a reputation for being attacking entertainers in Europe this season, finishing the group stages as joint top goal-scorers, averaging three goals a game, while also conceding the highest number of goals amongst the teams qualifying for the knock-out phase.
Their arrival in Milan was eagerly anticipated with Italian memories still vivid of their thrilling 10-man comeback from 4-0 down against Inter Milan earlier in the competition before narrowly losing 4-3.
However, it was a controlled and disciplined display from central midfielders Sandro and Wilson Palacios that set the foundations for this victory.
“It was a great night, a fantastic performance, we set out how we wanted to play and the players responded, they couldn’t have given it any more. They did exactly what was asked of them and we got a great result that was deserved,” said Redknapp. “I thought (Sandro and Palacios) did a fantastic job. Sandro is a lad with no real experience.
“He’s played two or three games for us but he and Wilson responded to each other, they got after them, pressed, closed them down, didn’t give them space to play. That was very important for us, they did a great job.”
Redknapp also paid tribute to the desire and spirit of his players, in particular playmaker Luka Modric who defied doctors’ advice to make a substitute appearance.
“I’m delighted to be part of it all and I’m delighted with the players, I couldn’t have asked for more than they gave,” he added.
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