Ferguson: We can't afford any mistakes

15 September 2009 10:42
SIR Alex Ferguson believes he has the Euro tools to become only the third manager to take a side to three successive Champions League finals. Having won in Moscow and lost in Rome if the United boss could steer the Reds to Madrid he will join Fabio Capello and Marcello Lippi in the UEFA history books. England coach Capello took Milan to the 1993, 94 and `95 finals winning once. Lippi took Juve to the 1996, 97 and 98 showpieces also winning the one trophy. Fergie could be the first boss to win two in three in the Champions League era. "When we get to the later stage then we can start to think about getting to Madrid," he says as the Reds start in Group B tonight against Besiktas. "I think the material is there to win it. We have a good bunch of players. If we win it it will not be the team that wins it, it will be the squad. "It's not easy to win it, as we found out in Rome. One mistake in a big game like that and you are crucified. Remember that. One mistake. Dead." First step is for the Reds to be in December's draw for the knockout stages via the group section against Besiktas, CSKA Moscow and Wolfsburg. "You have to respect this competition. We cannot afford to not qualify," he says. "This is the first game so we have to pick the right team. We cannot take chances and we won't take chances. "We need to get that ten points. The difficult thing is the travel. It's a long way to Turkey and to Moscow. We have to go to Germany for the last game so we have to make sure we are in a good position. "I don't think there is any pressure after losing the final not at this moment in time. If we keep our heads and play the right way I think we should qualify."

Source: Manchester_EveningNews