Pompey plan gets lost in translation

PORTSMOUTH manager Harry Redknapp has claimed having players who cannot speak English is harming his chances of saving the club from relegation.

Redknapp cited a situation in Monday’s 1-1 draw with former club West Ham, when he sent on substitute John Viafara with specific instructions, only to see the Colombian completely ignore them.

“It’s a crazy situation. We’ve got three people who can’t speak English. You can’t even tell them what to do,” he said.

“It shouldn’t happen.”

Despite his criticism of some of the signings by the former Portsmouth regime of Velimir Zajec and Alain Perrin, Redknapp said it would not deter him looking further afield in an attempt to strengthen his squad in the transfer window.