White Hart Lane hero expects classic game at the Bernabeu.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael van der Vaart claims manager Harry Redknapp is just like Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho.
The 28-year-old only spent a short period playing under the ‘Special One’ at the Bernabeu before being sold to Tottenham last summer.
Since the £8million transfer, Van der Vaart has been inspirational guiding Spurs into the quarter-final of the Champions League in their debut campaign.
Tottenham will face Real Madrid, and Van der Vaart is expecting a classic game between the two because the manager’s know how to get the best out of the players.
“I love how Madrid play,” the Holland international told AS.
“They are having a very good season. Mourinho is a coach who the players want to play for.
“Redknapp has a similar technique. They are very good, they know how to engage a group. Players want to win for them.”
“In the off-season I had much contact with Mourinho and he is an exceptional coach, the best in the world,” he added.
“But I wanted to play every game and in Madrid there are many exceptional players. I am 28-years-old and to be at a high level I need games.
“Now I am very happy in London with Tottenham. It’s a city I like.”