Redknapp discounts exodus fears

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is unconcerned that the club will struggle to keep hold of players at the end of the season.

Redknapp steered Spurs to the quarter-final stage in Europe this season before being edged out by Barcelona and he is confident the club can build on that success rather than having players picked off by other clubs.

Although they have missed out on the top four finish they needed to qualify for the Champions League again, Redknapp’s men travel to fifth-placed Liverpool knowing a win could put them in line for a Europa League place next season.

“I don’t think it will be hard to keep hold of our players. We never had Champions League football before,” he said.

“Players have not signed for us because we’re in the Champions League. If people want to leave it’s up to them, we can find other players. There are plenty of other players about.”

“It has been a fantastic season, one of the best Tottenham seasons since I don’t know when.”

“We were in the last eight of the Champions League and were pushing to finish in the top four all year.”

“We have done better this year than last. We beat teams like Inter Milan and AC Milan in the Champions League. It has been a great run.”

“If we finish fifth, for me it would be a better season than last year. It’s tough to get into that top four and is getting tougher.”

“We need to improve a little bit again if we want to keep pushing and that’s the challenge for next season.”

Sunday’s hosts Liverpool have been resurgent since Kenny Dalglish took charge in February and Redknapp said they will be a force to be reckoned with next season.

“Kenny has done a great job since he’s taken over. He’s a top man, a different class, a proper legend of the game,” he said.

“Liverpool fans love him; he’s Liverpool through and through. It’s a great club with a great tradition and I’m very pleased to see Kenny back in charge there.”

“Next season Liverpool will be stronger again.”

“Suarez has done great and there’s Carroll up front too.”

“Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are the backbone of the team and they have a fantastic keeper. They have the nucleus of a very strong team.”

Liverpool will be without defender Fabio Aurelio (thigh), Daniel Agger (thigh), Gerrard (groin) and forward Milan Jovanovic (knee).