Source: Daily_Mail
The big managers with their memories of the big derbies
Passion: Martinez[LNB]Roberto Martinez (Wigan)'I always felt from the point of view of real football quality and political issues, Barcelona against Real Madrid has to be one of the best.[LNB]'In terms of passion, Celtic v Rangers and Boca Juniors v River Plate have unbelievable atmospheres - Boca and River is something you cannot describe.[LNB]'And then from a funny point of view, in terms of how it's part of their daily lives, the derby between Sevilla and Real Betis. It's colourful, it's fantastic, it's full of humour and great passion.[LNB]'They are the best four from different aspects. But unless you're looking for a specific reason, one derby can't be better than another because they're all different.'[LNB]Owen Coyle (Burnley)'The passion and desire shown by players and supporters in these games is phenomenal.[LNB]'You have to go to a game to understand how much winning means to both teams. As an occasion they are something special.'[LNB]Geovanni (Hull)'I remember big derbies in Portugal, Brazil and Spain. The derbies are always difficult to play in and it is difficult to tell who are the favourites. The big derby was between Cruzeiro and Atletico. [LNB]'There was also Barcelona v Real Madrid and Benfica against Sporting Lisbon. Who can forget those kinds of games? They were special. And this weekend's games will be special too. There's also the derby in Portugal between Benfica and Sporting Lisbon.'[LNB]Harry Redknapp (Tottenham)'It was playing for West Ham against QPR (November 2, 1968). It was played in heavy mud, an old fashioned midwinter London derby. We won 4-3 and my dear pal Bobby Moore got one of the goals with a scorching 30 yarder. I managed to score one, too.' [LNB] Scorching: Redknapp[LNB] [LNB]Alex McLeish (Birmingham) 'Rangers against Celtic is such a big game to be involved in... I would have to say it would have to be my first Old Firm cup final. The Scottish Cup final in 2002, the moment when Peter Lovenkrands scored what turned out to be the winner for us in a 3-2 victory. It was my first major trophy against Celtic.'[LNB]Martin O'Neill (Aston Villa) 'One of my most favourite memories took place at Slough Town when I was in charge at Wycombe. It was first versus second in the Conference and, believe it or not, the kick-off was delayed to allow the supporters in! [LNB]We drew 3-3 in a game that was exciting from the first minute until the last. I thought I took some stick that night, but it took me until I managed Celtic at Ibrox to find out the true meaning of the word.'[LNB] Surprise choice: O'Neill[LNB]Mick McCarthy (Wolves)'It would have to be scoring against Man United for Man City. It was a bullet header. If Chris Turner had not been stood in the same spot from the next corner I would have scored a second which is something I never managed. We were 1-0 down and it finished 1-1. It was from Neil McNab's corner and I was up against Frank Stapleton and Norman Whiteside that day.[LNB]'Winning the Cup final against Rangers which was my last game for Celtic was a close second. If they had beaten us they would have won the treble. But for a personal high, scoring against United in a derby match, that takes some beating.'[LNB]Andy Townsend (Sportsmail columnist)'I've been lucky enough to play in a fair few derbies. I've played Villaagainst Birmingham, Middlesbrough against Newcastle and Sunderland,Chelsea against Arsenal and Spurs not to mention Norwich versus Ipswichand Southampton against Portsmouth, which was always lively. [LNB]'But I think in terms of ultimate derbies we are talking either Rangersagainst Celtic or Liverpool versus Everton for sheer ferocity andpassion. Two team city games are the real McCoy, the genuine article.Everton and Liverpool is always fiery, fast and furious and Rangers andCeltic has so many facets to it. Those two take some beating.' Two tribes go to war: It's derby day in London, Liverpool and the MidlandsArsenal take on Chelsea legends: If we were playing now, red cards would fly!GRAHAM POLL: Referees respect the fire of bitter derby battlesForget Barcelona or Manchester, raw fury at Burnley derby shook Hughes[LNB] Explore more:People:Bobby Moore, Alex McLeishPlaces:Barcelona, Liverpool, London, Lisbon, Brazil, Spain, Portugal
