Redknapp worried by Henry

Tuesday, 11, Apr 2006 09:47

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has admitted that he doesn't know how his side are going to stop Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.

Pompey come face-to-face with the Frenchman at Fratton Park tomorrow in a game which is vital for both clubs.

However, it is the Arsenal captain's sheer ability which has Redknapp worried and he admits he doesn't know how to stop him from torpedoing Pompey's relegation fight.

"For me, Henry is the best player in the world, playing in a side in fantastic form, and I think they have a real chance of winning the Champions League," Redknapp said.

"If he plays like he's played here before they could murder us so don't ask me what we'll do to stop him. How do you deal with a genius?"

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger rested Henry for the game against Manchester United on Sunday, only bringing him on as a second-half substitute.

Wenger said that he wanted to keep his captain fresh for the run-in and the club's Champions League crusade but he is expected to start against Pompey.

Redknapp says he understands Wenger's motives, even though it means Henry will be fresher for the game against his team.

"Some people were surprised they left out Henry at Manchester United on Sunday but he's played a lot of games and Arsene has usually picked his best side this season for the games he thinks he can win," Redknapp added.

The game is the rearranged fixture from last month, which was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.