Redknapp denies rift with AVB

Harry Redknapp has praised Andre Villas-Boas' work at Tottenham and dismissed reports of a dispute with his successor.

The QPR manager's recent comment that only "a dope" could fail as Chelsea boss was widely interpreted as a dig at Villas-Boas, who lasted less than nine months at Stamford Bridge.

But Redknapp sought out his counterpart in the aftermath of Saturday's goalless draw with old club Spurs to explain his comments.

And he said: "There is no problem with him, I don't know him - I met him on the touchline for one minute and talked to him.

"A story was made up after I said the other week that you would have to be dopey not to succeed with Chelsea's squad - I was talking about Rafael Benitez, and I said I don't think he will fail because he is not a dope.

"I never mentioned anyone else - so I don't know why people have to twist it and make it look like I'm talking about Villas-Boas."

Spurs are in a Champions League qualification place with more than half the season played, and Redknapp said: "I just see what a good job he is doing, and he is doing a good job.

"He didn't take my job, I didn't have a job - I was gone. Someone had to take the job, what difference to me if he takes it or someone else takes it, it makes no difference to my life."