Redknapp has no 'bad apples'

Redknapp has no 'bad apples'

Harry Redknapp is relieved that he does not have any 'bad apples' in his Tottenham squad, having watched Manchester City struggle to keep Mario Balotelli in check.

Balotelli has gained cult status among English footballer followers, with his actions off the field often as entertaining as those on it.

He has always had a reputation as something of an enigma, and City knew that when they snapped him up from Inter Milan.

Redknapp believes such a personality can be disrupting, though, and does not envy Roberto Mancini and his efforts to keep the fiery Italian on the straight and narrow.

"Balotelli is not my problem, but he is a problem," said the Spurs boss.

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"He doesn't seem to want to behave too well does he? It's a real problem.

"He has bags of talent but I suppose when you sign him you know what you're getting because (former Inter boss) Jose Mourinho had him and he bombed him."

While Balotelli's behaviour continues to divide opinion, Spurs have been able to bring the best out of another Premier League performer who is considered to be something of a handful.

Redknapp took a gamble on Emmanuel Adebayor when he took him on a season-long loan from Manchester City, but insists the Togolese striker has been a pleasure t o work with during a spell which has produced 14 goals.

"He has done ever so well for us. He has not been a minute's problem," Redknapp said.

"If you've got one or two bad apples they can just ruin everything for you.

Lucky

"Balotelli is not my problem, but he is a problem."
Harry RedknappQuotes of the week

"I think that's where we were lucky again this year. We changed things around and the people I brought in made a big difference to the club.

"Scott Parker, Brad Friedel, Ryan Nelsen. They're all fantastic professionals.

"You aren't looking around thinking: 'Billy Big Head - what's he doing today? Where's he been? What's he up to?'

"There is no one like that here. They are good lads. That's been the difference.

"They have been key signings for us. We changed things around a bit and Manu has come in and done the same."

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