Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has hit back at negative words from Vedran Corluka regarding his rotation of the squad.
The Croatian defender, on loan from Spurs at Bayer Leverkusen, suggests the North London clubs late-season form slump has been because of Redknapp's inability to freshen up his players but the boss has reacted strongly to those words, indicating players should not be too tired to play when it is their job.
"At the end of the day, it's down to the players. When things are going well, we give them all the credit.
"If we hadn't had a bad run, we would have qualified for the Champions League."
He added: "Look at people like Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Ashley Cole. They play well over 40 games most seasons and they're not rotated. It's a load of nonsense and it's an excuse.
"If people keep telling players they're tired, they'll believe it. The pitches they train and play on now are unbelievable. It's not like days gone by when teams were playing ankle-deep in mud.
"Most of these players have had 30 games and I've rotated where I can in the Europa League and in the FA Cup. I don't remember people like Bobby Moore or Dave Mackay complaining about how many games they've played.""I'm very happy with what I've done this season," Redknapp told reporters. "I've done what I've been allowed to do and I couldn't do any more.
Click here to reach the No1 destination for hard news and exciting gossip on Tottenham