Harry Redknapp wants Tottenham to take out their frustrations on Inter in today’s Champions League clash as the row rumbles on over Nani’s controversial goal against his team.
Redknapp could face an FA investigation after his comments about referee Mark Clattenburg in the aftermath of Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat against Man. United on Saturday.
The Spurs boss was furious Clattenburg allowed Nani to tap into an empty net while goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes prepared to take what he thought was a free-kick in the closing minutes at Old Trafford.
Nani’s goal left Redknapp ranting.
“The officials will come up with a story that will make it look right,” he said.
“That’s the way it happens. He made a mistake, but he’ll come up with some excuse. Mark Clattenburg is a top referee but he’s had a nightmare with that.”
While Redknapp had a genuine grievance as he raged over the most bizarre goals of the season, he knows his anger could also stoke up his players ahead of their crucial showdown with European champions Inter at White Hart Lane.
Spurs go into the Group A game three points adrift of Inter following a 4-3 defeat at the San Siro 12 days ago.
Redknapp’s second-placed side are still two points clear of Werder Bremen and FC Twente and a win over Rafael Benitez’s side would go a long way to booking their place in the knockout stages.
However, should defending champions Inter win and all but seal their own progress, the Italians may see fit to rest players for their final two group matches against Bremen and Twente.
And if Bremen beat Twente, the Germans would then be in pole position to join Inter in the last 16.
Redknapp said: “We need some points, I think, because Werder Bremen play Twente and could beat Twente. It’s massive for us to get something out of the game.”
Glamour fixture
After 50 years away from Europe’s elite club competition, the visit of the Italian champions is exactly the kind of glamour fixture that Tottenham were hoping for when they qualified for the tournament.
But to make sure it is a memorable occasion, Redknapp will need a far more solid display from his defence, which crumbled in the face of Inter’s early pressure in Milan.
Only a hat-trick from Gareth Bale eased Tottenham’s embarrassment at their first-half display, but Redknapp expects Inter to play a more cautious counter-attacking game in north London.
“We’re at home but they’ll be hard to beat on Tuesday (today),” Redknapp said.
“I saw them at Chelsea last year and saw them go and shut Chelsea down and knock Chelsea out.
“Italian teams, they know how to play away and be difficult to beat.”