Posts Tagged ‘Sir Alex Ferguson’

The international break is done so it’s back to EPL this weekend. The grand master of head games and blarney Sir Alex Ferguson is at again.

Sir Alex thinks that five or six clubs will compete for the title this year.

He said that Man City, Man U, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal are all in the title hunt.

“I think you could say that five or six teams will be involved,” he told Sky Sports News. “It’s always hard to win the league.

“It’s a league that if you look at it, in the South you have the London teams like Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea and then you have ourselves, Manchester City and Liverpool in the North. It’s a really, really difficult league to win.”

Spurs is a bottom feeder while my Gunners are stuck in 17^th place after three matches. Actually Tottenham has played only two matches.

Let’s hope the crafty one Sir Alex is right.

Man U is rebuilding its club with a ton of younger players. This is working very well right now for the mighty boys from Old Trafford.

The only gaffer is in goal. De Gea has been a clown in goal on several occasions.

Sir Alex said- “You have to try and build teams that will last for a few years,” Ferguson said. “We have done that quite successfully over the years. This is another example of trusting the young players and giving them opportunities.”

He also spoke about Chelsea- “They have tremendous experience with the likes of Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Petr Cech, John Terry, Alex, Nicolas Anelka, Fernando Torres – there aren’t any young kids in that team.

“But they don’t have 36 or 37-year-olds like Ryan Giggs. Lampard and Drogba are 33, Anelka is 32 – not dissimilar to (Michael) Carrick and Rio Ferdinand, and we wouldn’t be saying they are dead and buried, would we?

So why should they be? “They’ll still be a big threat and we expect them to challenge.”

From my perspective Arsenal is in a world of hurt. Let’s hope all the changes that have been made will work out.

We will find out real quick.

I hope that I am wrong but this will be a season from hell.

The chairman Peter Hill said this about Wenger getting the heave-hoe- “It’s complete and utter rubbish and absolute nonsense. I think he is happy enough and we are happy enough,” Hill-Wood told the Daily Star.

“We have brought some new players in and although I don’t know that much about many of them I think, generally speaking, they are going to improve the squad.”

In American when management gives the manager or head coach a vote of confidence this is translated into meaning his ass is getting ready to get fired if things don’t turn around fast.

My Gunners have a hot date with Swansea City on Saturday at our house Emirates.

Gunner for life.

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This is it folks. Two weeks and the EPL season begin.

On Sunday August 7^th the Community Shield will feature EPL champs Man U verses cross-town and hated rival Man City winners of the FA Cup.

This sucker will be an old fashioned barnburner.

Sir Alex and the boys defeated Barcelona 2-1 in the World Football Challenge  played in Landover, Maryland.

The Catalans didn’t play Messi and some of their top players but Barca displayed why they will be a force to be reckoned with in Spain and the Champions League.

Man U improved on the defensive end of the pitch.

Barca put a tone of pressure on the Red Devil “D”.

The Catalans only cracked the code once.

Man U has a deadly counter attack.

Nani is cat quick.

He just glides down the pitch.

Rooney played like Rooney.

Goals by Nani and Michael Owen paved the way for the Red Devils win.

Thiago scored for the Catalans in the 70th minute.

City won the Dublin Super Cup.

Man City destroyed both their opponents Airtricity 3-0 and Inter Milan 3-0.

City is for real folks.

Chelsea won the Asia Cup.

The Blues beat EPL rival Aston Villa 2-1.

My Gunners are in a world of hurt.

Once again the stupid defending rose up and bit us in the ass.

After Robin Van Persie scored 42^nd minute to give us a 1-0 lead.

I thought great.

Then the wizards of stupid took over for Arsenal.

An own goal by Kyle Barton 84^th minute gave of all clubs the MLS  side the New York Red Bulls the Emirates Cup.

The Red Bulls defeated French side Paris St. Germain 1-0 on Saturday.

This sucks big time.

The Gunner nation could be in for a long hard assed season of heartbreak.

Wenger had this to say about the Arsenal’s crappy performance- It was a bit frustrating that it was only forwards against defence. They played very deep and didn’t come out. But it’s part of the game. I felt we looked quite stable as long as we were not making any disturbances in our organisation. The final 20 minutes were a bit like yesterday, you could see the continuity in our game went. Overall, I am very happy with the two days because we were confronted with two teams who were very committed, very physical and very strong defensively. We were tested. On both days, we played very well for an hour. We have nothing more to offer at the moment. Hopefully that will change in the next two weeks.

Arsene Wenger added this about Vermaelen and Koscielny-I felt the two centre backs were very good, in my opinion, and played very well. I am quite happy with the performance of the centre backs. If you look at the goal we conceded today, I don’t think it comes from the centre backs.

Asked about this results tells us – I don’t think you can compare friendly games. They played in the final third today. We weren’t playing in the championship where you have to win games. It’s not the same. Today they just had to keep it tight at the back and wait for their chances. They did very well but when you go into your championship and you are expected to make the game, to take the initiative, it becomes a different game. 

Jack Wilshire was hurt in the puppy- It is not very serious. They say he might be out for the whole of next week because he has an ankle inflammation. But he has not torn anything. He is a quick healer usually and a tough boy so I hope he will be quicker than the medical predictions. The England game is on August 10 and I don’t know [whether he will be available]. They told me he might be out next week. If he is out next week, he will not play against Benfica so he will certainly not play for England.

All of this BS is fine and dandy in coach speak. In the real world it is bupkis- não serve para nada.

This is pure bull crap.

Gunner nation has heard all of this before.

It is SOS – Same old shit.

Wenger needs to go.

Arsenal has the same problems it did last year and the year before that and the year before that.

Need I say more.

I am tired of this garbage.

A change is needed at the top.

This is pure insanity.

Insanity means doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results.

The Gunners are nuts.

Gunner for life.

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This is what the entire futebol world is waiting for. This is the clash of the titans. Man U takes on the cheaters from Barcelona.

The Rede Devils and Camp Nou has been the top two-futebol clubs for well over twenty-five years.

Pepe and Sir Alex know the world of mind games.

Both men are experts.

It will come down to this.

Can Sir Alex and the boys contain and control the three-headed Barca monster of Messi, Pedro, and David Villa?

Pepe Guardiola said this about if his Barcelona side is the best ever- “I don’t think so. When the people are watching this team if they enjoy we are happy, but we have to respect Brazil, Milan, Liverpool, Manchester or even Madrid for the best moments.

“It is difficult to compare, it is for example to say who is better – Pele, Maradona, Messi or Beckenbauer, all these kind of players in the right moment help to make football better than before.”

“What would we like, in the coming 10-15 years people remember that in that time Barcelona played good football and we enjoyed that time when we saw that would be the best thing, but to say right now is impossible.”

When asked about the mighty boys from Old Trafford Pepe said-

I think Manchester United in the last 10, 15, 20 years is always at the top, always compete very well in the Premier League and they have three times out of the last four years in the final of the Champions League.

“When I saw the Manchester United team two years ago my view, my impression, was it was a strong, strong team.

Man U and Barca met in the 2009 Champions league Finals.

The Spanish lads won 2-0.

Man U has great “D”.

Let’s see how Edwin Van der Sar can hold up against the Barca pressure.

Man U has three good scorers in Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, and the newest sensation Javier Hernandez.

Pepe said this about Chicharito-

”He’s a huge surprise, he’s amazing. He’s amazing when arriving in the area. He has incredible movement without the ball. Manchester United have bought an enormous young talent. I am convinced that he will be an important player for the next few years at United.”

Sir Alex blew the idea that the match will come down to dead ball situations- “What advantage is that?” Ferguson said in response to questions about United’s supposed height advantage. “I don’t see that, I don’t think it is correct. We have these two here [Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic] and Michael Carrick, that’s it. “They have [Sergio] Busquets, [Gerard] Pique, possibly [Eric] Abidal. So, I don’t see that as an advantage at all. They also have [Carles] Puyol who is a very determined defender so I don’t see it as an advantage.

“I don’t think it will come down to that, it will come down to what happens in general open play.”

About the 2009 final against Barca-

“I think we are as well prepared as we can be,” Ferguson said. “In terms of big games if we perform well we have a chance.

“We are much more mature. In terms of [Wayne] Rooney’s progress, he is much more mature than he was in 2009. And other players too. The experience of [Ferdinand and Vidic] are vital to us. I think the experience of progressing in Europe gives us a good chance.

“It is going to be difficult for both teams. Barcelona have fantastic qualities and I think our qualities will shine through too and that I think will bring a good game.”

Sir Alex said they use the time off to prepare- “We did most of the work before the Blackpool game and winning the league the previous week helped us that way. The players they have to trust themselves and trust each other because I trust them,” he added.

All in all, I am looking forward to watching this puppy on the tube.

It should be a good one.

Barca wins 3-1.

Why?

Camp Nou has too much firepower.

Flamenguista for life.

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Sir Alex and the boys have a strangle hold on the title. Man U showed why they are one of the best futebol clubs in the world.

The mighty boys from Old Trafford defeated archrival and hated Chelsea 2-1.

First half goals by Javier Hernandez and Nemanja Vidic were all Sir Alex needed.

The Blues made it interesting when Frank Lampard found the back of the net in the 68^th minute.

However, this baby was never in doubt.

Man U was in control of this sucker from the very start.

Sir Alex didn’t let his side sit back and play defensive futebol like he did last Sunday against my Gunners.

This was balls to the wall futebol.

I like this style.

Man U is now six points clear of second place Chelsea with two matches left.

All the Red Devils need to is get one point in their final two matches against either Blackburn or Blackpool.

My Gunners stunk the joint out in a 3-1 loss to Stoke City.

Arsenal looked like they were out sorts.

This means these clowns were not ready to play.

Wenger is now on the hot seat.

This makes a month of being prepared to play.

The slide began March 2^nd when Arsenal lost to Barca in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal.

Arsene Wenger’s time has come.

Wenger needs to be fired.

Wolves pulled a rabbit out of their hat.

Wolverhampton defeated West Brom 2-1 to move out of the drop zone.

The you’re outta here zone looks like this.

West Ham is at the butt end of the table with 33 points.

Wigan is in 19^th place with 36.

Blackpool is in 18^th place with 36 but the Seasiders a minus 22 compared with The Latics minus 23.

Wolves are one step above stink in 17^th place with 37 points.

Birmingham is still not outta danger even though the Blues are in 16^th place with 39 points.

Two matches are left in this glorious EPL season.

Sad days are ahead.

Gunner for life.

This is it from The De Futebol Zone.

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Man U has booked their date with the dirty cheaters from Barca. Yes, this is the crème da crème of futebol clubs in the world.

Sir Alex and the boys scored two-second half goals to put away a pesky German side Schalke 04 4-1 and 6-1 aggregate.

Sure it was touch and go for a moment or two when Schalke cut the Red Devils lead 2-1 on a goal Jose Jurado in the 35^th minute.

Sloppy and stupid defending by Man U caused the Jurado goal.

The mighty boys from Old Trafford rattled the cages on two-second half goals by Anderson (72^nd & 76^th minutes).

Antonio Valencia and Darron Gibson ripped the twines for Sir Alex and his mates.

Man U looked good but Sir Alex and the boys will have their hands full with Barcelona.

The Spanish side has real firepower and tremendous team speed.

The Red Devils have team speed to burn but Man U lacks some real Gatline gun firepower.

I can’t wait for this puppy.

The fun happens on May 28^th at Wembley.

On a huge side note, Sir Alex made eight changes to the team that started against Arsenal last Sunday.

Sir Alex has his eye on the EPL prize.

Sir Alex had this to say- “They did me proud. It was a semi-final and the fact it’s such an important game does create a bit of doubt in your mind of ‘Am I doing the right thing?’ but I’m glad we were vindicated.

“It’s fantastic for the club. We’re where we want to be. I’ve said many times we should have done better in Europe over the years and I think this team can win the cup.”

Keeper Edwin van der Sar said this “perfect” demolition of Schalke. It was perfect, after the first leg we were quite well set up to be able to make changes and keep the majority of players fresh for the big game on Sunday.

“We saw how emotional Barcelona were yesterday and maybe our reaction was a bit more subdued but Barca’s was because they have a big rivalry (against Real Madrid).

“Barcelona play exceptionally good football and of course it’s going to be difficult, they showed that in the final in 2009. We have to show we learned the lesson from that one and be better prepared.”

Gunner and Flamenguista for life.

This is it from The De Futebol Zone.

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The dirty cheaters from Barca advanced to the Champions League Final at Wembley Stadium.

Barca and Real Madrid tied one all but the cheaters advanced on a 3-1 aggregate.

Barca won at Real’s home 2-0.

This result was pretty much a fore gone conclusion.

Pedro’s goal in the 54^th minute sealed the deal for the dirty cheaters from Barcelona.

Real found the equalizer 64^th minute.

Marcelo found the back of the net but it was too little too late for Real Madrid.

The Special Ones side was hampered by dirty play in the first leg.

Pepe and Sergio Ramos were in the sin bin as well as Jose Mourinho for Real.

Barca was in control from the outset.

Yes, there were some theatrics by the dirty cheaters but other than that not much fireworks.

Barca will either face Man U or Schalke 04 in the final.

Sir Alex and his boys will play at Old Trafford later today against the German side.

Man U should advance but with the display of futebol, the mighty boys from Old Trafford showed at Arsenal, who knows?

It would be funny as hell if Man U was shutout from all trophies this year.

What a scene this would be.

Old Trafford would break out in a riot.

Gunner and Flamenguista for life.

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Man U showed why they are one of the top club teams in the world. Sir Alex and the boys defeated Schalke 04 2-0.

It should have been lots more but Rooney and his mates couldn’t connect with the back of the net until the second half.

The Rooney man’s slight of hand or I mean foot set up mate Ryan Giggs in the 67^th minute.

The German side never had a chance.

Wayne Rooney ripped the twines in the 69^th minute to make it 2-nil Red Devils.

The mighty boys from Old Trafford had an amazing 13 scoring chances.

I mean folks these were real ones.

It should be a 13-0 whitewash.

All Sir Alex and his chargers need to do is hold serve at Old Trafford.

I don’t think the German side Schalke 04 will score three goals and beat the Red Devils.

Stranger things have happened.

Sir Alex had this to say- “Our concentration, intensity and speed of passing was excellent,” Ferguson told Sky Sports. “We had less chances in the second half but were more dangerous, when Chicharito scored and it was offside it told the players they could beat the goalkeeper.”

The boss man Sir Alex used the same side that started against Chelsea in the Champions League return leg last week.

“The continuity of selection in these games gives us good experience and work-rate and I have good options with the likes of Nani, Scholes and Anderson. We have selection problems now but that is what we want.”\

About resting key players in next weeks return leg- “Depending on the result on Sunday [at Arsenal] I could make two or three changes because we play Chelsea the following weekend.”

“We are a bit disappointed we didn’t take more chances but overall we are delighted with the performance. In the first half especially we had some good chances and we were disappointed at half time not to be in front.”

The Wayne man said don’t count your chickens before they are hatched- “Schalke are a good team and we can’t take them lightly. We need to make sure we are professional and full concentrated.”

Ryan Giggs praised the German keeper – “We knew that if we kept creating chances one would go in and hopefully I would get one on my left foot rather than my right,” he said. “Before the game we would have taken 2-0 but now we are slightly disappointed.”

Up next for Sir Alex and the boys is a hot date with my Gunners at Emirates on Sunday.

Gunner for life.

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Sir Alex and the boys are on to the semifinals of the Champions League.  Man U doubled up Chelsea 2-1. It was 3-1 on aggregate but the mighty boys from Old Trafford were never in danger when a late strike by Didier Drogba in the 77^th minute made interesting. However the Park Ji-Sung goal a few seconds later in the 77^th minute put this sucker outta reach.

Once again, the combo of Ryan Giggs and John O’Shea set up Mexican super man Javier Hernandez in the 43^rd minute. Chicharito ripped the twines to give Man U a 1-0 lead late in the first half.

The Blues Ramirez was given his marching orders in the 70^th minute to give Sir Alex and the chargers a huge advantage.

Game, set, and match to Man U.

The dirty cheaters from Barca lost to Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0.

However lets get real Barca was never in trouble. Messi and his cheaters blew out the Ukrainian side 5-1 at Camp Nou.

The cheaters are on to the semifinals também.

Later today Tottenham battles Real Madrid at White Hart Lane and Schalke 04 takes on Internazionale on German soil.

The German side blew away the defending Champions League Title holder s 5-2 at their house in Italy.

Both Real and Schalke 04 should advance unless all hell breaks loose but don’t bet the house on it.

Gunner for life.

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Chicharito hit the daily double to lead Sir Alex and the boys past Marseille 2-1.

An own goal by Wes Brown in the 82^nd minute made it nervous time for Man U but the Red Devils survived and moved on to the quarterfinals.

Man U came away with a couple of really bad injuries- Hammies to John O‘Shea and Rafael.

This could hurt the Red Devils in their stretch run for the EPL title.

It wasn’t a pretty win for Sir Alex and the gang.

Marseille had at least four good scoring chances but the French side came up empty.

Inter came back from a 2-1 deficit to beat Bayern Munich 3-2.

Goals by Wesley Sneijder in the 63^rd minute and Goran Pandev in the 88^th minute sent the Italian side into the quarterfinals.

Both sides were tied three all on aggregate But Inter had the better of it on away goals three to two.

This puppy was played in Bayern’s house.

Later today Chelsea battles Copenhagen at Stamford Bridge and Real Madrid battles Lyon.

After two pitiful performances by my Gunners headman Arsene Wenger said the guys have to dig deep inside and come out fighting.

These are his actual words taken from www.arsenal.com “Yes we have it,” said the Frenchman. “I don’t question that. We played Wednesday against Leyton Orient, Saturday against Sunderland, Tuesday against Barcelona with ten men and against Man United.
 

“It’s a very, very difficult schedule. It’s been very difficult for the players but they have never shown any sign of weakness mentally. Even on Saturday they have put in absolutely every effort and can only be proud of how much they fought.” 

Wenger admits his butt is on the hot seat- “I question myself always, don’t worry,” said the manager. “But If I listened to everybody then it would be a miracle that we are still playing for the title with ten games to go.

 “Nobody in England believed we could even fight for the top four. The fact we are in the position we are in I think deserves a lot of credit.

 ”I don’t know [if winning it now would be my greatest achievement]. I let other people judge my performances. The only thing I can say is that I’m ready to give absolutely everything to do it.

“I’m confident we will but we need now to work to recover.”

Gunner for life.

This is it from The De Futebol Zone.

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My guys Gunners were unceremoniously given the heave-hoe from another Cup competition.

Man U took it to Arsenal 2-0.

This gives my Gunners two straight losses since the comeback win against Barcelona two weeks ago.

This is not good garoto.

One thing I have learned and observed over the years is this when Sir Alex and his boys have stunk the joint out and has their collective backs against the wall the Red Devils will come out breathing fire.

Man U will kick ass and take names.

This is what the mighty boys from Old Trafford did on this fine Saturday.

Sir Alex tweaked the line up.

He inserted Fabio De Silva in the starting line up.

This paid handsome dividends for the Red Devils.

Fabio scored the opening goal of the match in the 28^th minute.

A great pass set up Fabio for the goal. His brother Rafael started this baby off. Rafael feeds Wayne Rooney. Rooney hands the ball off to Hernandez. Hernandez fires a shot right at the keeper Almunia. Block. Save. Kick out. Score off the rebound Fabio.

Rooney seals the deal in the 49^th minute with a rebound header into the back of the net.

Game, set, and match to Sir Alex and the boys.

Man U makes it to their 29^th FA Cup semifinal.

Give Sir Alex credit for what he does best win futebol games.

The old master moved his two Brasileiros up and coming stars into the attacking zone.

This tweak gave the old fox the win.

My Gunners are on the ropes.

This is not good.

Getting robbed in the Champions League and then stinking the joint out against a hated rival four days later is not a good sign.

We are on the ropes getting ready to get knocked out.

Maybe it’s time to change skippers.

When a team hits a plateau usually management will get rid of the guy who guided them there for another.

In Arsenal’s last four matches, the Gunners have one win, one loss, and one draw.

My Gunners have one chance at a title The EPL.

This season is looking mighty shaky.

Sir Alex out coached Arsene Wenger.

This is what Wenger had to say about the match with Man U -We had good control of the game. Manchester United had very few chances, they scored with almost their first attempt on goal. After that, we put them in a position they like to be [in] – on the counter attack. They are strong and they are clinical in front of goal. In the second half we had a good opportunity to come back to 1-1 and two minutes later it was 2-0. As long as you cannot come back to 2-1, they are comfortable. In the end, I cannot fault our effort. Things do not go our way at the moment. We have to keep going, support each other and come back strong. It was a strange game, we put a lot of effort in. At the moment, every goalkeeper against us is Man of the Match. I still believe, subconsciously, the disappointment of Tuesday night has played a part today. You could see something has gone, not in our effort or our attitude, but confidence wise.

On the EPL Title- I believe that we can do it. It is a good test for us now, to show that we can regroup, show our mental strength and respond quickly. We have a week without a midweek game, that is the first time for a long time. Unfortunately, we lost Johan Djourou for the rest of the season. It will be difficult. We have a good opportunity to show that we are solid.

Is the season heading into the shits- No. I am very disappointed. We lost three challenges in a strange way. We were not outplayed today but we were punished by a team who were more clinical than us.

In non coach speak this means yes, folks the Gunners are in deep trouble. This match with Man U was huge. We lost it and now we are on the verge of going into a tail spin.

I think my Gunners are still hung over from getting robbed at Barca.

In plain and simple english Arsenal is in deep do-do.

Wenger said this about the Barca robbery- I was very disappointed but I was not affected. I thought we would qualify today. They are always very efficient and if you do not take your chances you don’t win the games against them.

You weren’t but the players were and they played like it. It is the coach’s responsibility to get the guys focused on the goal at hand.

It is time for Wenger to go.

Gunner for life.

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