Harry Redknapp has acknowledged that he erred in publicly criticising Darren Bent for missing an open goal against Portsmouth earlier in the season. The Tottenham manager had claimed at the time that 'my missus could have scored it', but now concedes the approach was counterproductive.
'I must admit myself I think I made a mistake after one game, I did cane them a bit,' said Redknapp. 'I didn't get a response from that, and someone I respect told me that wasn't my style. I criticised a few of the players and it really doesn't work for me.'
Redknapp added that he prefers to motivate players positively. 'I get more out of the players by telling them what they can do rather than what they can't do. That has always been my way. They responded [but] I felt that was a mistake on my part. I felt I rectified that and lifted them and we've gone on from there.'
Bent has scored 17 goals this season, but his future at White Hart Lane remains uncertain amid links with other clubs. Redknapp is reportedly interested in Kenwyne Jones and Roque Santa Cruz, and believes Tottenham are the best club outside the top four. 'I think this is the club to play at, there are only the top four, other than that they couldn't do any better than Tottenham,' he said.
Meanwhile, Deportivo de La Coruna midfielder Julian de Guzman has revealed that Spurs are monitoring him. 'I know they have been watching me in games, but I haven't spoken with anyone,' de Guzman stated.
