Harry Redknapp tells Rafael van der Vaart: Shut it!
Posted Thursday, October 06, 2011 by The Sun
HARRY REDKNAPP has threatened to axe Rafael van der Vaart in a blast back at his whingeing Dutch star.
Tottenham's boss is losing patience with the moody midfielder's constant complaining about being played out of position and being substituted during games.
Van der Vaart's latest moan came after he was asked to play on the wing for Spurs in Sunday's 2-1 win over Arsenal, in which he scored.
Redknapp snapped: "Yes, it does seem to be a problem. Rafa can't run back and chase the full-back. Against the better teams it is a problem.
"Rafa's best position is in the middle, playing just behind the front man.
"The only problem is that Jermain Defoe plays there too and Jermain is playing very, very well at the moment.
"So, I guess I have got a decision to make, haven't I? I suppose it's now between Rafa and Jermain over who plays in the team."
Van der Vaart and Redknapp endure a rocky relationship with the talented but temperamental £8million Dutchman frustrated that he rarely finishes a match.
Redknapp claims this is because the player lives in the constant shadow of hamstring problems due to a weakness in the muscle.
Van der Vaart angered his boss by saying this week: "He made a mistake in making his comments about my most recent injury.
"I am convinced I could have played for 90 minutes. But if I have to chase after an attacking full-back every time, I can't play my own game to my best ability."
Van der Vaart has not played a full 90 minutes since the 3-0 defeat at Manchester United on August 22.
Redknapp said: "Rafa is a terrific footballer. He has great skill. But if you're in the team and asked to do a job, really, you should just do it."
Roman Pavlyuchenko is looking for a way out of White Hart Lane in January.
The Russian striker, 29, has been restricted to just 16 minutes of Premier League action this season. Pav said: "I do not have much playing practice at Tottenham, although I am in very good physical shape.
"I very much want to play football. That's why I need to start thinking now about moving clubs in the winter.
"I love Tottenham. The team is like my second family. But if nothing changes I will agree to any loan deal. In fact, to any deal which gives me the chance to play permanently."
Aaron Lennon has stepped up his recovery from a groin problem but there are more concerns over William Gallas.
Winger Lennon played half of a behind-closed-doors friendly against Leyton Orient.
Spurs technical director Tim Sherwood said: "Aaron played 45 minutes, so that's a positive."
But no comeback date has been set for centre-back Gallas after he picked up another calf injury.
The French veteran, 34, made his last appearance on May 10 due to a similar complaint in his other leg.
But keeper Brad Friedel insisted: "We have strength in depth in every position — some as many as three players deep."
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