Source: FOOTYMAD
Sir Speaks Ahead Of Big Game
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says that mistakes were made before the Champions League final in 2009, but they are not going to do the same thing again, lessons have been learnt. United were looking to be the first side who had ever retained the trophy two years on the trot, but they came across a Barcelona side that were in no mood to let Fergie and his side walk off with all the glory. Even so, revenge is not at the top of Sir Alex’s list. He said: "We were disappointed we lost the game but it isn’t a matter of revenge it is about our own personal pride," he said. "We are very focused this time and our preparation has been better. I think we maybe made one or two mistakes last time but not this time." The domestic top flight title was won for the 19th time a couple of weeks ago now and the United boss says that the time between then and now has been fully used to prepare for the Wembley clash. Fergie added: "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.” Ferguson also praised the Barca coach ahead of the game, he admitted he was impressed with the way Pep Guardiola had made such an impact in a short time in charge. "For a young coach, he’s changed the way they play and brought a maturity to the team. "From beating us in Rome to the present day, you can see that maturity. He’s changed the way they press the ball, for a young coach he’s done fantastically well and has a good presence. "He played for Barcelona, which helps, and with the history of Dutch coaches there, he’s made a big step forward for Spanish coaches." Looking ahead to the game on Saturday, Ferguson added: "There could be a lot of excitement, there’ll be a lot of good football. "We recognise the quality of our opponents, it’s unwise to go into a game not preparing for how your opponents play, their strengths and weaknesses. "But we always focus on what we can do ourselves and we hope to attack, we have players who can do that."
