Slump is fault of Redknapp, says Corluka
TOTTENHAM will miss out on Champions League qualification because of fatigue caused by an under-rotated squad, believes exiled defender Vedran Corluka.
A run of three wins in 14 games has taken Spurs from Premier League title contention to fifth place, behind Arsenal and Newcastle, and outside of the top-four placing required to reach the Champions League.
Corluka, who joined Bayer Leverkusen on loan from the north Londoners in January, believes manager Harry Redknapp’s reluctance to use his whole squad will prove costly.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they finished sixth,” said Corluka. “They didn’t rotate enough, they don’t have depth on the bench. That’s the main problem.”
Redknapp has favoured a consistency in selection that means 11 core players have each made more than 30 appearances.
“I watched almost every Spurs game and they played them all with the same 11, 12, 13 players and that’s why the players now are really tired,” Corluka added.
“Tottenham, for me, had one of the best teams in England and of course it will be an unsuccessful season if they don’t go to the Champions League.”