10 October 2006, by Sean Gillen

Mendes: “Redknapp the key behind Pompey success”

Rocket-man tag

Goals from long-range, such as the ones scored during this period, have earned Mendes the nickname ‘Rocket Man’ from the home supporters as Fratton Park, and the midfielder jokes that there is now a little added pressure from the home fans to shoot more often.

“It’s funny, sometimes when I’m playing I have the ball and I hear ‘shoot!’,” laughs Mendes. “But no, I can’t shoot every time.”

As for this season, Portsmouth have started like anything but relegation contenders, currently sitting fourth in the league, and Mendes believes that the improvements made to the squad are partly responsible for the good form.

“Good players arrived during the summer break. Experienced players came, but at the same time young and determined players came, like Manuel Fernandes and Niko Kranjcar.”

“With Sol Campbell, David James, Andy Cole and Kanu, I think we’ve got a very good squad that can fight for things.”

Portsmouth Manager Harry Redknapp is another major factor behind the club’s success, according to Mendes: “Harry Redknapp is much closer to the players than Martin Jol,” he said. “With him, it is possible to speak your mind but Jol never receives other opinions.”

“Harry can just put the team together with a very good and friendly relationship between the players. I think that’s the secret, when you have a very good and strong dressing room. Everything can happen.”

“I am happy at this club in every sense.”

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