Harry Redknapp is like Jose Mourinho, players want to win for him – Tottenham’s Rafael van der Vaart

Rafael Van der Vaart , Tottenhaam(Getty Images)

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Rafael van der Vaart has hailed his Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, saying that his current boss shares many of the same qualities as Jose Mourinho.

The 28-year-old Dutch midfielder was on the books of Real Madrid when Mourinho arrived in the Spanish capital, and although he left for White Hart Lane shortly after, he had a good relationship with the Portuguese manager.

Since arriving at the club, the Dutch international has been a key player during Spurs’ Champions League run and prior to their meeting with his former club next week, van der Vaart has hailed the management duo as two of the best in the business.

“I love how Madrid play,” he told AS.

“They are having a very good season. Mourinho is a coach who the players want to play for.

“In the off-season I had much contact with Mourinho and he is an exceptional coach, the best in the world.”

“Redknapp has a similar technique. They are very good, they know how to engage a group. Players want to win for them.

Ahead of his return to the Bernabeu, Van der Vaart concedes that he left the Madrid side in order to secure first-team football, but admits he will celebrate with ‘respect’ should he score in the tie.

“I wanted to play every game and in Madrid there are many exceptional players such as Oezil and Kaka… I am 28 years old and to be at a high level I need games,” he added.

“I am happy to return to Madrid. It’s sure to be a very good game.”