Tottenham forward Rafael van der Vaart says that Harry Redknapp has a similar managerial style to his former Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho.
The Dutchman joined the Premier League side last summer. While he did not spend long working under Mourinho, he has favourably compared the Portuguese tactician with former West Ham and Porstmouth boss Redknapp.
Spurs come up against the Spanish giants in the Champions League quarter-finals.
"I love how Madrid play," said Van der Vaart. "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."
While he had admitted to being angry about his exit from the Bernabeu, van der Vaart is placing no blame at the door of Mourinho.
"In the off-season I had much contact with Mourinho and he is an exceptional coach, the best in the world," the Holland international said in an interview with Spanish daily AS.
"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."
The former Ajax starlet was then asked if he would celebrate scoring a goal for Tottenham at the Bernabeu.
"Yes, of course, but with respect," he responded.