Redknapp eyes salvation after shock win over streaking Blues
Source: AFP |
January 4, 2013, Friday
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HARRY Redknapp believes Queens Park Rangers' shock 1-0 win at Chelsea - the first since March 1979 - could be the turning point in his side's season.
Redknapp saw his side defy the odds to produce one of the most unexpected results of the season, thanks to Shaun Wright-Phillips's goal on Wednesday.
The win was only its second league victory of the season and moved Rangers level on points with second-bottom Reading, five points adrift of safety.
But the manager believes the impact of the result will be hugely significant in the context of the relegation battle and strengthen his chances of bringing in new recruits in the transfer window.
"I had a good meeting with (the players) after the Liverpool game (QPR lost 0-3) and I think I convinced them I thought we could stay up," he said. "You probably thought I was mad, but I didn't go home thinking we are doomed. I thought we could turn it around if we can get this lot working and get someone in the window. And tonight (Wednesday) has proved that.
"Most important, we worked hard. We grafted and if we do that until the end of the season, we will win some games. The other teams down there will be thinking: 'That's not very good.' I've been there.
"That will send shocks through everybody and we've got to make the most of that tonight."
Chelsea's interim manager, Rafael Benitez, blamed his side's defeat on fatigue and admitted it cannot afford further slips if it is to close the 14-point gap on leader Manchester United.
Everton is only two points behind after beating Newcastle 2-1, but has played a game more than both Chelsea and sixth-place Arsenal.
Liverpool beat Sunderland 3-0 to move seven points behind Chelsea but having played a match more.
Redknapp saw his side defy the odds to produce one of the most unexpected results of the season, thanks to Shaun Wright-Phillips's goal on Wednesday.
The win was only its second league victory of the season and moved Rangers level on points with second-bottom Reading, five points adrift of safety.
But the manager believes the impact of the result will be hugely significant in the context of the relegation battle and strengthen his chances of bringing in new recruits in the transfer window.
"I had a good meeting with (the players) after the Liverpool game (QPR lost 0-3) and I think I convinced them I thought we could stay up," he said. "You probably thought I was mad, but I didn't go home thinking we are doomed. I thought we could turn it around if we can get this lot working and get someone in the window. And tonight (Wednesday) has proved that.
"Most important, we worked hard. We grafted and if we do that until the end of the season, we will win some games. The other teams down there will be thinking: 'That's not very good.' I've been there.
"That will send shocks through everybody and we've got to make the most of that tonight."
Chelsea's interim manager, Rafael Benitez, blamed his side's defeat on fatigue and admitted it cannot afford further slips if it is to close the 14-point gap on leader Manchester United.
Everton is only two points behind after beating Newcastle 2-1, but has played a game more than both Chelsea and sixth-place Arsenal.
Liverpool beat Sunderland 3-0 to move seven points behind Chelsea but having played a match more.
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