Redknapp backs Chelsea for Champions League

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp hopes Chelsea win the UEFA Champions League this season.

If the Blues win the competition then Tottenham, who are currently fourth in the Premier League, would miss out on qualification.

A UEFA rule states that a team must be able to defend their title even though an extra place in the competition is not awarded to that side’s country.

The Stamford Bridge side claimed a 1-0 victory in the first leg of their semi-final tie with Barcelona but must hold that slender lead at Camp Nou, where the European champions have not lost since 2010.

“I’ll be rooting for Chelsea,” Redknapp said.

“I haven’t even thought about (missing out if Chelsea win the competition). If Chelsea stay in it they’ve got a Champions League final to prepare for, and then they’ve got a lot on their plate haven’t they?

“I want to see an English team win it anyway and I think they can do it.”

While Spurs were considered potential title contenders for much of the season, a poor run of form has seen them win just one of their last eight games.

They now currently occupy fourth place, five points behind north London rivals Arsenal and level on points with surprise package Newcastle.

However, Redknapp insists that the season would not be a failure, even should Spurs fail to secure Champions League football.

“I don’t think it’s a failed squad whatever we do,” he said.

“We’re not entitled to be above Chelsea. Look at their bench the other night. They had people like (Fernando) Torres and (Daniel) Sturridge and other top players.

“I wouldn’t say we’ve got a stronger squad than Chelsea – no way – or a stronger squad than Liverpool come to that.

“If we finish fourth we’ll be delighted and if we finish third it will be even better. I can’t fault the effort of the players this year whatever they do.”