Redknapp rejects destablising talk

Harry Redknapp denied suggestions that speculation over his future had affected Tottenham after three league defeats.

Spurs lost 1-0 away to Everton in a tight match at the weekend in which they were unable to break down a resolute home defence, following defeats to fourth-placed Arsenal and league leaders Manchester United.

Redknapp has been favourite to assume the position of England manager since the departure of Fabio Capello, while Stuart Pearce has taken charge on an interim basis.

When asked if question marks over his future had disrupted his club, Redknapp firmly responded: “Absolute rubbish.”

“How can it destabilise the team when they play like they did and keep on going? They haven’t just gone ‘the manager is leaving we aren’t bothered any more’.”

“We have had three very difficult games. Manchester United, Arsenal and Everton. Everton have just beaten Manchester City and Chelsea.”

“They are dogged. They rode their luck. We didn’t deserve to lose as the second half was so one-sided it was ridiculous.”

Aside from a spell at the beginning of the second half, Redknapp’s side struggled to threaten an impressive Everton defence.

Playmaker Luka Modric was deployed on the left of midfield alongside combative duo Scott Parker and Sandro in the centre of the park, behind strike partnership Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe.

Flying left-footed winger Gareth Bale started on the right in the absence of Aaron Lennon and David Bentley through injury, and as a result Spurs did not deploy the natural width across midfield they have displayed for much of their season.

Redknapp was required to defend his team selection after the match, maintaining: “Gareth can play there (on the right).

“People don’t understand the game. People switch wingers now. Lots of left-footed wingers play on the opposite side. It happens all the time. Bale likes playing there.”