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Wednesday, 6 March 2013

Ferguson Goes Nani About Red

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At the Champions League final in 2011 at Wembley Sir Alex Ferguson selected Ryan Giggs in the starting line-up, a player who had had just undergone major scrutiny about his private life. And a test that would have rendered most men incapacitated after the national redtops had their field day. The decision by the Manchester United manager to name Paul Scholes on the bench was perhaps missed by the less, seeing it as soppy and nostalgic touch by the United gaffer. But by the time Scholesy hit the field in the 77th minute the game was over and his impact was nefarious, to say the least. As was Giggs’ on the night, more than obviously burned out by tension of many weeks of public scrutiny.

Although Pep Guardiola's side were the best in Europe that night, by any measure, it belied a reality that afflicts the record of Ferguson’s Champions League record, where Moscow came down to penalties, and the 1999 win coming in a bizarre final 90 seconds at the Camp Nou against the run of play. As even George Best had left the stadium in despair that night, missing those final two goals from Solkjaer and Sheringham. In fact to this day one wonders as to what went through Ottmar Hitzfeld's mind that night in Barcelona and why he decided to take off Lothar Mathaus in the 90th minute. But on such fine things are Champions League games balanced.

It was no different at Old Trafford on Tuesday when Ferguson chose to rely on Ryan Giggs, who at 39 years was playing his 1,000th time for the club, yet ill equipped to be that pivotal player in such a key European match in 2013. A fact that more clearly highlights the true value of that 12 point lead in the Premier League, as playing a top European teams is very different to a visit to Norwich or Sunderland. A point that the highly decorated Manchester United manager fails to appreciate at times despite those successes in 1999 and 2008.

For all the potential controversy of the refereeing decision to send off Nani, which was without doubt a turning point, it somehow fails to explain how the lead was only obtained though the misfortune of Sergio Garcia – who pushed the ball into his own net. Albeit that the home side were applying all the pressure, Real Madrid were able to absorb it up to that stage.

Having said that, Nemanya Vidic should have taken the lead, except for the rigid upright which deflected the ball into the groin of Madrid keeper Lopez, and kept the score level. But Madrid could also claim the goal by Higuain was valid and not illegal as deemed by the referee. But on such delicate moments do Champions League matches hinge.

It seems that for Ferguson there is a failure to understand - that for many managers who live away from the over hyped Premier League – winning the Champions is where the standards are set. In that competition all teams come with no baggage, history or reputation. In that sense Mourinho’s Real Madrid are as humble as the next, as the club have not won the trophy since Vicente Del Bosque took them to Hampden Park in 2002. And for a club that waited many decades before winning it in 2000 and 2002 there is a real appreciation for the competition. Particularly after the accumulated history from the 1960's. At times United seem to forget that history.

And so it was at OId Trafford when the pretender, Mourinho, showed the master the way forward, even despite the referee’s decision to banish Nani for an over the top tackle on Madrid defender Arbeloa. Which, rightly or wrongly, then changed the complexion of the tie and indeed the momentum. But then again on such moments are Champions League ties balanced.

The only surprising with the Premier League Champions elect was their failure to find a formula that could hold a Madrid side - way off the lead in La Liga – and with the Copa del Rey the only other remaining challenge. The United defeat on Tuesday goes a long way to confirming Pep Guardiola's choice to manage Bayern Munich next season as the right one. Clearly the British teams struggle with the game in Europe, with Celtic facing an unlikely comeback against Juventus in Turin on Wednesday, and Arsenal fearing the worst in their return trip to the Allianz Arena against Bayern.

On the night though it was the Ferguson’s decisions that highlighted a myopia that fails to see European football as different. The major one being to start Giggs from the kick off in a role, and in a match, that would require a physicality that even the fittest 39 year old would struggle to fulfil. The other decision to absent Rooney from the beginning was also unusual, given he is a player that most in Europe would regard as a threat. Even if he were playing with one leg tied to the other.

For Real Madrid it was a tough night most of the time and it proved tricky game for Xabi Alonso who was unable to release the ball when marked so closely by an impressive Danny Wellbeck. In addition, the runs of Gonzalo Higuain, tested the defensive line of Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra - albeit without any result. The trouble for United compounded perhaps by not allowing Antonio Valencia rampage up the flanks and dilute the attacking flair of Fabio Coentrao. But such is the game that sometimes the tactics can be too clever.

Which in essence is where Ferguson led to his own downfall. Last season it was basel that put the Reds out at the group stages.

For Madrid it was a roller coaster night which saw the game come and go, and it was only the arrival of Luka Modric that changed their game plan – and he would have done so facing 10 or 11 men. On the night his movement was sharp and it allowed him find an opportunity inside the right post of David DeGea's goal. A strike of the type that made him so popular with Spurs fans a number of seasons ago. The fact that he has not been a regular in the starting eleven for Madrid makes it more dramatic. On this occasion his goal took the pressure of Cristiano Ronaldo, and rendered that vital goal in the 66th minute. On such moments are Champions League ties balanced.

The Stretford End was then silenced when Ronaldo put the tie beyond reach three minutes later.

The damage from the Nani sending off was evidenced by Sir Alex Ferguson’s failure to appear before the post-match cameras, a contrast to the elegance of Mourinho, who was modest in his assessment of the result. Too often in Clasicos he has been on the receiving end of unfavourable or bizarre refereeing decisions. He knows far too well what that feeling is like.

“Of course we are happy to have qualified, but I expected more from my team. We didn't play well. We took advantage of the ten to 15 minutes after their sending-off. The first half ended scoreless and it was a very tactical game until that point with both sides giving their all. When Luka Modric came on I felt he changed the dynamic of the game in midfield.” explained Jose Mourinho.

“Having said that, we suffered until the end; United were physically very strong. We suffered too much while they had ten men and the fact that our goalkeeper Diego López was our best player in that time says it all. When your keeper is your best player with a numerical advantage it shows you are not controlling the game as you should. Our midfield was filled with players during the later stages, yet we didn't control the match.”

Tuesday, 5 March 2013

A Really Proud Moment - Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson spoke of his pride as a bronze statue of the Manchester United manager was unveiled at Old Trafford by his wife Lady Cathy.

The nine-foot statue was commissioned in November 2012 to mark 25 years at the club, when the North Stand was also renamed the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand.

Ex-players and the first team squad were in attendance in honour of English football's most successful manager.

"It's fantastic, a really proud moment," said Ferguson.

The 70-year-old has now been in charge of the Reds for 26 years, winning 27 major trophies including 12 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies.

"Normally people die before they see their statue, so I'm out-living death," added Ferguson.

"I've had an incredible journey at the club and I've had so many great players, some of whom are here today.

"They should build this statue for them all, because they've been absolutely marvellous.

"From 1986 right through to today, the players have given us enormous pleasure.

"Everyone has had a part to play, from the players to the coaching staff, medical staff and, of course, the fans."

Former United players Eric Cantona, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Edwin van der Sar, Peter Schmeichel, Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, and Gary and Phil Neville, joined fans for the unveiling while David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo sent pre-recorded tributes.

United chief executive David Gill said: "People can talk about many things like the hairdryer and Fergie time, but the most important thing you have brought back to this club is respect."

Revealing why Lady Cathy was chosen to unveil the statue, Gill added: "She is Sir Alex's greatest supporter. And I think he's a bit scared of her."

Ferguson thanked his wife for her support throughout his career but joked: "Cathy has promised that every Saturday morning she's going to come down here and bow to the statue!"

In a pre-recorded message, former England captain Beckham said: "What an amazing day for you, your family and for the club.

"I just want to say thank you for everything you have done for me. My time at United was without doubt the highlight of my career and I cherish it."

Real Madrid forward Ronaldo added: "Well done boss, I think you deserve it 100%."

Momentum Favours Mourinho

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Real Madrid arrive at Old Trafford on Tuesday night with two wins - in four days - over a Barcelona team that is often benchmarked as the best XI in the world, with a clutch of world cup winners in the side, along with the mesmerising talent of one Lionel Messi. In turn Manchester United host their Spanish visitors leading the Premier League by twelve points, and still on track for a 1999 treble repeat. And such is the balance of the tie for the return leg of this last sixteen fixture in the Champions League that both managers from part of a mutual admiration society. Albeit very eager to pull one over the other in the remaining ninety minutes for a place in the quarterfinals.

With a Cristiano Ronaldo on form this season and setting his own La Liga scoring records, it is a return to the place where he made his reputation and grew to be valued at £90 million in the summer of 2009 - when he departed Sir Alex Fergusons’ tutelage. Having scored a vital goal in the first leg, Ronaldo refused to celebrate against his former teammates and it maybe that same pressure that subdues him in the second leg. He is still very much an enigma and too often struggles on those very big occasions, failing to provide what is needed for a win. It could be Jose Mourinho's one major – yet unmentionable - fear. On the other hand, Ferguson is too wise to ignore the Madeira born striker and at the same time not become obsessed with him through the game.

For that reason it is United who have the most difficult selection choices as a one-all score line means the home team need the goal to push the tie beyond Madrid’s reach. And the same time not leave the space behind the back for Ronaldo, Di Maria and probably Benzema, to exploit and get their vital away goal - which would also push the balance against Manchester United. Although Mourinho was relaxed in the mandatory UEFA rematch press conference, it has been a season of pressure given that Barcelona have walked La Liga and Madrid have failed to match their performances - to date. However, the fact that neither party will be linked beyond the end of this season means The Special One can afford to be more relaxed. Except for that record – a third Champions League with a third club.

To do so he may need to stay with the formation that proved so effective against Barca, using defender Pepe in a midfield role, alongside Sammy Khedira and Xabi Alonso – tried in order to close down the Catalans exquisite tikka- takka. For the two games it worked and it maybe that he stays with the combination of Sergio Ramos and Rafael Varanne at the back too, given the partnership seems to be working. Having said that, Danny Wellbeck, who is sure to start on Tuesday, caused much trouble at the Santiago Bernabeu some weeks ago, and may yet haunt the Real duo given he scored the away goal. Aside from that the balance of Mourinho’s team will vary little.

For Ferguson the headache is the same given that his side waltzed four goals past Norwich City at the weekend with Kagawa getting a hat-trick, suggesting he may be hard to leave out of the starting side. Unless United have other ideas, goal scorers on form should hold their place and against tall defenders the diminutive Japanese striker seems a sure recipe for success, even up against the athletic Varanne. Mores so if playing off Robin Van Persie. If the game is to be won that it’s that last line of defence United need to breach, and if the first leg is any indication, it may prove to be the set pieces. In the middle it will be crowded and Mourinho will do a Ferguson and just close down that space for Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney, forcing them to go long from the back on more occasions.

Ferguson too needs to balance the loss of Phil Jones who so ably marked Ronaldo in the first leg.

But it is the history between these two sides that rings out loudest, with that first European Cup win in 1968 win at Wembley coming at the expense of a win over the Spanish champions in the semi – finals that year. This is only the round of the last sixteen and the script was not written for this meeting so soon. However, Borussia Dortmund performed better in the qualifying rounds and topped the group, leaving Mourinho's team playing the winners of another group - rather than runners-up. So Manchester United it proved to be, pitching these two ambitious clubs at the serious end of business earlier than either expected.

Whether it can all live up the billing is normally the issue. With so much at stake it remains to be seen.

On current form both teams are riding high and so it is a close call, with margins dictating the outcome no doubt. Having said that, Real Madrid arrive with more momentum than at any other time, and so late into the season counts more for any potential Champions League winners. Also, Jose knows it's all about his wits and mind-set, particularly in England, where he hopes to be gainfully employed next season. So no better shop window than playing United at Old Trafford in a "winner takes all" type fixture – which no doubt the works too for a number of club that maybe watching on with interest. Even if the rumour suggests that Stamford Bridge is the next port of call.

A win tonight though gives either manager a moment of glory; such is the calibre of each one’s achievements and their tactical ability. In Europe though Mourinho has the upper hand and in lesser games Ferguson has been caught out in the Champions League at times. It might be the case of the same again as former Premier League players Alonso, Arbeloa and Ronaldo – along with Michael Essien and Luka Modric – will set out to prove a point.

History also suggests a Real victory – but marginally.

Some Facts

-The two previous Champions League encounters between Manchester United and Real Madrid at Old Trafford have produced 12 goals.

- Cristiano Ronaldo has scored seven goals in 23 Champions League games at Old Trafford. He has 16 goals in 18 European games at the Santiago Bernabeu.

- Angel Di Maria has four assists in the competition this season, all coming against Manchester teams - three against City and one against United.

- Real Madrid are one of two Spanish teams to have beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Champions League. Deportivo La Coruna won 3-2 back in April 2000.

- Jose Mourinho has never won a Champions League game at Old Trafford. Porto`s progress was built on a 1-1 draw while Inter lost 2-0 at United in 2008-09.

- On the two occasions the Real Madrid boss has won the Champions League, his teams have knocked out English opposition in the last 16.

- United have managed only two clean sheets in their last 10 home Champions League games.

- Alex Ferguson has only won twice in his 15 competitive encounters with Jose Mourinho.

Sunday, 3 March 2013

Time for McIlroy's Management

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It was a runaway success from the start and Horizon Sports leveraged the Rory McIlroy brand for every penny it was worth since the Holywood golfer decided to switch and leave TeamISM. Doing so shortly after winning his first major at the age of 22, and equalling the record of two of golf's greatest icons, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger woods. It was a moment that set the talented young golfer on a track that made the media also expects him to win every tournament, and become another Tiger. Who with his customary red shirt on Sunday seemed to obliterate any field, very often by just showing up on the first tee box on the Sunday.

The speed of that progress was supposedly all under control and as the results started to roll in as Rory played more in the USA – something that ISM seemed against – he conquered America. Making his mark on the PGA Tour very quickly by winning the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island last summer, consolidating the Nicklaus Woods title trajectory in a very timely way. By adding the Deutsche and the BMW McIlroy confirmed his arrival, all of which first started in 2010 when at the tender age of 21 he won at Quail hollow. The return to The Honda Classic therefore this year was a formality, a visit to a happy hunting ground and the defence of a title that if he retained, would equal Nicklaus 1977 and 1978 record. So far unbeaten even after 35 years.

There was nothing in the build-up to suggest a problem.

Except in hindsight perhaps, as his girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki collapsed out of the Malaysian Open in the first round, beaten by qualifier Wang Qiang. The Dane, who was feeling unwell after suffering a high temperature, hardly chased Wang's returns in the closing stages of the match in Kuala Lumpur and lost 2-6, 7-6 (7-1), 6-1. A result that had come on the foot of gossip in the week that suggested that “Wozzilroy” were engaged. Or about to do so after Wozniacki seemed obliged to tell reporters: “I enjoy everything that’s happening right now and how things are. Marriage? We’re still young and we have many years in front of us.”

When asked if she would accept now if McIlroy proposed, she burst into laughter, saying: “This is getting personal.”

Thousands of miles away McIlroy was then leaving the PGA National without even completing the ninth whole saying to some reporters within earshot: “There’s not really much I can say, guys,”

“I’m not in a good place mentally, you know?”

When asked about his swing, the 23-year-old from Northern Ireland replied, “Yeah, I really don’t know what’s going on.”

About an hour after he left, McIlroy released a statement that pinned his withdrawal on dental problems.

It is very surprising that a major issue should not have been detected by someone in his usually extensive entourage before it reached that stage.

But then again maybe it should not be a total surprise as at Medinah McIlroy was close to missing his tee off time on the final day of the Ryder Cup - after getting his US time zones mixed up. It was a state trooper that got him to the course within the allotted time limit and his vital singles match against Keegan Bradley. And regardless of the happy outcome for Europe in the end it seems bizarre that such a lapse by his team was allowed occur. In sports management a lot of tough love is required at these key moments as few of the top athletes in the world are without flaws – surprisingly human like the rest of us. Many only find success because of the enforcers around them who ensure that all the little things are done properly.

At Palm Beach Gardens this week something vital somewhere was clearly missed.

There is also a worry about the ten year Nike deal. Not the deal itself, but the very public manner in which it was handled and the apparent lack of any visible transition from Titleist for the golfer. Given McIlroy seemed to just start suddenly playing with the Nike clubs as soon as he reached Abu Dhabi for the PR launch in January. Something not even Woods did that swiftly. In fact, engaging in a much slower move over, perhaps knowing that even the subtlest of equipment changes can make for trouble. A point that Sir Nick Faldo was very vocal about, albeit his experiences were dismissed by Rory it seems, perhaps believing there was some malice in the remarks.

Perhaps so.

Yet the truth is Faldo is less into mind games these days and a better analyst as a result of his own stubbornness and learning’s on the course, which at times caused him visible setbacks. Indeed with age he has matured into a connoisseur of the game and from the commentary he often shares his rich expertise.

On another level, the switch made by Graeme McDowell in 2011 to Srixon - even if less lucrative and high profile - should have highlighted the pitfalls with his stable. It summarily showed how a winner of everything in 2010 could suddenly become a loser of everything in 2011 and 2012. Indeed, only now is GMAC returning with a vengeance and at the Honda Classic is hunting down his first win in nearly three years. Yet looking from the outside Horizon Sports seemed to believe that McIlroy was indefatigable and indestructible. And perhaps we all did, despite all the naysayer’s warnings, as thus far the double major winner has surprised everybody with his apparent ability to handle everything – bar the tenth at Augusta in 2010.

More importantly, it seemed his added strength was being able to bounce back after adversity – and win. No better example than Kiawah Island – which came after a string of missed cuts and a torrid few days at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

But meltdowns happen, and can shake the most talented of stars. Just ask Sergio Garcia one of the last European prodigies before McIlroy’s arrival, who will still not look forward to a return to Whistling Straits in 2 years - after his televised meltdown a few years in one of the bunkers at the PGA Championship. But Garcia, now some years later - like many who fell out of love with the game – proves that distance is a healer. Which is what Rory had promised to do over the close season and apparently did spending weeks with girlfriend Wozniacki in Australia for the start of the tennis swing down under. All to ready him for the new season.

Regretfully it failed at the first hurdle.

At the much hyped appearance of Woods and McIlroy at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship but missing the cut. After which he stuck with his planned weeks off before the WGC-Accenture matchplay. In the first round in Tucson he lost to his friend Shane Lowry, who was appearing in the Arizona Desert for the first time, and then arrived at the PGA National to play only one round and eight holes before bolting off the course - inexplicably. Only to release a statement later about wisdom teeth trouble.

As Rory now reflects over the 14 days about how he formally presents his departure to the PGA Tour, the sponsors Honda, he has established an unfortunate new record of his own that Woods and Nicklaus have never matched.

But whatever the reason for his decision one now has to wonder about the weight of carrying an ever increasing number of sponsors, Bose being added only two nights ago. All adding to the existing demands of being world number 1 on his ready limited free time. Which is a mix of an idyllic lifestyle crisscrossing the world to meet up with his girlfriend and many breaks in-between tournaments. Begging the question about self-discipline? And, or, practice time, something that Tiger Woods almost did to in exess. And even Padraig Harrington suffered for over the years.

Regardless of his natural talent it seems that this is an area where McIlroy should spend more time – even if it is just to reduce the distractions and get some time on his own.

For all major achievers in sport over the years it is self-discipline or obsessiveness – enforced or self-inflicted – that has brought success. Even if at a cost to their personal lives. Be it Bjorn Borg so carefully mastered by Lennart Bergelin to set records at Wimbledon, or Andre Agassi's tough daily routine from his Father in Las Vegas that won him the majors. Or indeed Tiger’s military style upbringing under his Father Earl. A structure is clearly needed to retain focus. Albeit not perfect.

All of us left to our own devices would skip homework if we had enough cash in the bank.

At times too, the talent needs to be stopped making decisions for their own health and survival and just told what to do and where to be. Not a pretty sight at times. But a must to achieve greatness in any sport.

If all this is being done by his entourage already, then something else is afoot and it is more serious than wisdom teeth.