Ferguson on Eduardo – I’d have done the same as Arsene Wenger
Speaking to the press on Thursday at UEFA’s elite coaches forum, Alex Ferguson agreed that something has to be done to eradicate diving from the game and that UEFA took the decision on Eduardo to set a marker for the rest of the season.
But while the Beeb would have you believe (along with a fantastic photo) that Ferguson was backing UEFA’s ban on Eduardo, what was far more interesting and relevant were his comments about Wenger’s reactions to the ban.
Ferguson:
“I agree with Arsene, I would ask the same question ‘is it going to happen to everyone?’
You become insular and protective of your own player and own team, we’re all selfish that way. I would have been saying ‘what about all the rest of the players?’.
But I wouldn’t have been pleased if my player had done that. I wouldn’t say it publicly though, because when you do that you’re in danger of losing the morale of the dressing room.
Privately, as I’ve done many times, you have a different view, but I wouldn’t do it publicly.”
Put this in context of what Wenger said about protecting his players in the public eye by saying that ‘I didn’t see it’ (or something to that effect), and you have two managers being remarkably candid and honest about how they deal with diving.
Topics: Alex Ferguson, Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Features, Manchester United
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i love that picture.
September 5th, 2009 @ 01:34Fergie certainly turned a blind eye to all of Cristiano Ronaldo’s dives, while he was playing for United. How convinient.
September 5th, 2009 @ 02:44@O.D.Nick: You need to read the comments properly. Doesen’t he say “Privately, as I’ve done many times, you have a different view, but I wouldn’t do it publicly.”
So how are you to know what was said to Ronaldo behind closed doors?
September 5th, 2009 @ 03:58I agree with twillight that is a great picture. And i disagree with OD Nick, as BD Condell said if you actually read and understand what Alex said he probably did speak with Ronaldo privately. Fregie is a tough scot, he would be the last person to accept diving. It has no place in the game and achieves nothing. Remember that goalkeep Doda or whatever his name is when that fan brushed past him and he went off injured. Probably the worst case of diving i have ever seen and a total disgrace.
Ronaldo is a good example aswell, one of the best players to ever lace up the boots but he underines that by diving. Its obviously how he was trained when growing up and is something he believes in. Its a disgrace and if UEFA are cranking down on it it is right for managers to say it has to apply to everyone.
September 8th, 2009 @ 18:14