Spurs are battling with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City to secure a top-four finish this season and entry for the next edition of the UEFA Champions League. Harry Redknapp's men are determined to finish above their rivals and experience Europe's premier competition again, having made the most of their continental adventure this term. A 1-0 victory in the San Siro on Tuesday put Tottenham on course to reach the quarter-finals and Van der Vaart feels the spirit in the camp is a key ingredient of their success. The Dutchman says it does not matter how much money other clubs spend on signings, it is more important to have a happy team. "Our win in Milan showed you can't buy points," said Van der Vaart. "You can buy good players but you also have to have a good team. We have a great squad, everybody likes each other and wants to work for each other. That's the main thing. "The boss gives everyone a lot of confidence and talks with you. That's the really important thing with a manager." Van der Vaart believes the result against Milan underlined the strength of the Spurs squad, as a number of key players were either missing or lacking full fitness. He is now focused on trying to beat Blackpool in the Premier League in midweek, which would lift Spurs to third in the standings. "This is a big year for Tottenham. We have great players and a big squad," said Van der Vaart. "Luka (Modric) wasn't really fit in Milan, I had trained once, Bale was not there, no Huddlestone, Jenas wasn't there and still we have a great team. "It was a big game in Milan, the kind you always want to play and we did well. We now have more experience in the Champions League. "We kept the ball well, played between the lines, were not afraid to attack and were the better team. "I knew Tottenham had good players when I signed, but when you play Champions League, FA Cup, Carling Cup and the league it's difficult. "Now, though, we are really good in the Champions League and if we win against Blackpool on Tuesday we are also almost at the top of the table."
