Chelsea 'quick fix' has cost them title says Sir Alex Ferguson

18 February 2009 23:10
Temporary manager Guus Hiddink was installed last week and immediately stated the title race was not over. However, Ferguson has a different view. [LNB]Although the Scot cannot quite believe how swiftly Chelsea removed the man who proved his credentials by winning the World Cup with Brazil and guiding Portugal to the final of Euro 2004, he is confident their actions have ended any hope Chelsea might have had of winning the Premier League title this year. [LNB]Ferguson feels the main threat to his side now comes from Liverpool. "I think they have played into our hands and that the title race now is going to be between ourselves and Liverpool," Ferguson said. "However, I shall be keeping a wary eye on Aston Villa. [LNB]"I was shocked that Chelsea should part so soon with a manager of such great experience as 'Phil' Scolari. [LNB]"Their haste is a reflection of the sad way the game is going, with everyone from owners, the board members, the fans and the media demanding instant success."[LNB]On the brink of an 11th league title, Ferguson's own longevity provides ample proof of what can be achieved with a stable backdrop. [LNB]"I would have thought it self-evident that winning prizes comes with stability and long-term planning," Ferguson said. [LNB]"Yet so often wisdom flies out of the window in the hope that a new man can bring about a quick fix."[LNB]Meanwhile, Carlos Tevez does not expect his long-term future to be resolved until his loan period expires in June, although he has repeated his desire to remain at Old Trafford. [LNB]The Argentine forward joined United from West Ham in August 2007, but his economic rights still belong to businessman Kia Joorabchian's MSI investment fund, who are believed to want £32 million from any side looking to secure Tevez on a permanent basis. [LNB]That is a fee United have so far refused to pay, allowing a Jan 31 deadline on seizing a first option clause to pass. But Tevez said: "My idea is to stay in Manchester for a few more years. [LNB]"We've had talks with the board, not with Sir Alex Ferguson, but nothing has been signed yet. Both sides have decided to wait until June for a definitive solution." [LNB]

Source: Telegraph