Is it really just a pipedream?

Tottenham Hotspur F.C has long been regarded as everyone’s second team. Outside of the London rivalries, it seems no one has a bad word to speak and wants them to succeed. A team which has had such a talented squad for many years had never reached the heights they should have. However the introduction of Harry Redknapp to the White Hart Lane dugout has given the men in white the added spice they needed to fulfil the ambitions of a dedicated following. So the question has to be asked; can Tottenham win the Champions League?

Taking over a decimated squad lying bottom of the table with just 2 points from 8 games, Redknapp set about stamping his authority on the club and this had an immediate effect with Spurs, as they are affectionately known, winning 10 out of the next 12 points, including a spectacular 4-4 draw with North London rivals Arsenal. This outstanding turnaround continued to an eventual 8^th place finish in the league and defeat in the League Cup final, and a 4^th place finish the following season.

Redknapp has been instrumental in leading Tottenham away from Championship football and into the bright lights of the Champions League. His qualities have shown through in the surge up the table the team has gone through in his tenure. Morale, which was at an all time low under Juande Ramos, has increased massively, epitomised by the soaking David Bentley gave out to Redknapp during a post-match interview. Redknapp is highly regarded amongst his peers and rightly so given his record not just at Tottenham but his previous clubs as well. With him at the helm, there is a real chance Tottenham could progress further in this season competition.

Another key reason for progression is the squad Tottenham currently possess and the depth in quality therein. Players such as Jermaine Jenas, Carlo Cudicini, and Niko Kranjcar are struggling to get a look in this season which shows the talent at the disposal of the management. Comparing the squad with other sides at the top of the Premier League, it is hard to say a Manchester United or an Arsenal have better options, showing once again the shrewd eye Redknapp has for a player with Bassong, Defoe and Palacios being just some of the terrific buys he has made so far. Although he definitely isn’t a wheeler-dealer as was foolishly suggested by a reporter.



Key men for the Tottenham challenge.



A man who could be vital to the future of Tottenham is a certain Gareth Bale. While not being on the winning side in his first 24 appearances wasn’t the start he may have hoped for, Bale has bounced back to become one of the leading lights in the 2010/2011 season so far. While on the back of his incredible performance against Inter Milan it was wrongly suggested he was up with the greatest players in the world, he still has a great future ahead and i ts would not be out with his ability to perform once again on the biggest stage of them all, well being Welsh the World Cup may be out of the question for the foreseeable future. However Bale has all the necessary skills to be an integral part of a Spurs side for years to come and under the tutelage of the coaching staff may well reach the level many have mistakenly given him already.




Big obstacle

 

Tottenham proved many doubters wrong with their performance in the group stage of this season’s competition. Finishing top of the group ahead of the holders Inter Milan, and very strong Werder Bremen and FC Twente outfits, Tottenham showed the style of play and an unnerving lack of fear which gives substance to the argument they could go far. With players such as King, Modric, Defoe and Lennon, amongst many others, available for the next stage, Spurs have the quality to trouble even the most talented teams across Europe, doing their chances of success no harm. While Redknapp has dismissed talk of going defensive in order to go through, this could be to their detriment when coming up against experienced campaigners in the shape of AC Milan. The 7-time European cup winners will provide stern opposition to the inexperienced Londoners, and could be a bridge too far for their gung-ho attacking style. The likes of Andrea Pirlo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho have the flair and capability of making any team look ridiculous and therefore Spurs must be wary of the threat the Italian’s provide.


Injuries to key players could curtail Tottenham’s challenge for glory further. The likes of Gomes, King and Crouch have the experience to guide this side through and the loss of them would make it far more difficult. The spine of the side is crucial, however if Ledley’s knees can hold up and Tottenham stay clear of suspensions then their know-how will be vital for progression.

Overall though there is no reason why Spurs cannot go forward and challenge for the Champions league. The squad they have at their disposal, the manager in charge and the naive way they have approached their attempt at the silverware may just provide the perfect formula for a trip to Wembley next May. And with Capello’s upcoming departure from the England job, it could be a perfect send-off for Harry as he takes the logical step into leading the national side.