UEFA Champions League: Ferguson plays psychological games

Resham Ahmed April 12, 2011 0

UEFA Champions League: Ferguson plays psychological games

MANCHESTER: Manager of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson launched a psychological attack on Chelsea ahead of their second leg clash of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final here Tuesday.

Sir Alex Ferguson. Courtesy: Reuters

Criticising Chelsea’s strategy, Sir Alex Ferguson said that they are over-stretching themselves with their UEFA Champions League obsession.

Manchester United are taking on Chelsea tonight in the second leg of the quarter-final of the Champions League 2011 with a 1-0 advantage at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson. Courtesy: Reuters

Sir Ferguson was quite critical of Chelsea’s tactics on the eve of the clash as he mentioned that the Londoners’ obsession for a European title is dragging them into problems.

The Manchester United boss said at a press conference on Monday, “It seems to be an obsession for them to win a European Cup, that is certainly why they signed Fernando Torres there is no question about that in my mind”.

Carlo Ancelotti. Courtesy: Getty Images

He added, “The owner has very much nailed his colours to the mast in that respect. At the end of the day, it’s a very difficult competition to win, all the best teams are there. To have an obsession to win a European Cup is stretching yourself a wee bit.”

The Scot shared his feelings when his club was struggling to get past the semi-final stage of the Champions League and then winning it in style in 1999 with English Premier League and FA Cup titles also in their grasp.

He said, “When we did it in Barcelona it was the greatest feeling of all time and it took the monkey off my back for a bit. But it doesn’t make Chelsea any more desperate than Manchester United tomorrow night, believe me.”

Reacting to Sir Alex Ferguson’s statement, Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, made it clear, “It’s not an obsession, it’s a dream.”

United are once again banking on their key forward, Wayne Rooney, who has been suspended by the Football Association (FA) for two matches in English Premier League competitions after he used abusive language on TV camera. Talking about his main weapon, Sir Alex Ferguson said, “Missing a game on Saturday has given him six days preparation for tomorrow, that could make a difference”.

Sir Alex Ferguson and Rio Ferdinand. Courtesy: Getty Images

The United boss was also happy with a promising return by Antonio Valencia, who scored on Saturday on his return after sitting out for six months with a broken ankle.

Ferguson said, “We just couldn’t wait to get him back. He’s an outstanding footballer … his understanding of the game is brilliant, he has a great tactical brain, balance and power and speed, the boy has got everything.”