Just a couple questions..would like to see what you guys think. Sr. AF never seems happy when other coaches talk about his players, but isn't going to the press and saying how much he admires Benzema, even saying the only reason he wouldn't buy him is his inflated price, the same as saying you want a player..and underhandedly saying what you are willing to pay? Or is this normal so long as you are not actually talking to the player behind Lyon's back? I think I've seen this in the past, where Fergie calls it mind games and a distraction to the player. Then again, he seems to think Barca is the only non-English CL threat, so maybe he is smartly trying to gee up Benzema, knowing his individual brilliance could make the difference. Anyway...still thought the unwritten rule was you don't talk about players like that unless you're putting a bid on the table. I'm sure he's been outraged when this is done to his guys...but maybe I'm wrong.
And check out the big big dis to Real Madrid and Robben in particular. Let's face it..anyone who's seen Real Madrid lately knows they along with ManU are the clear form teams in Europe and they have a CL pedigree that is independent of league form anyway (despite some recent lean years in the competition). Actually, this one smells of 'fear' of Liverpool in the CL. Is AF playing mind games with Real Madrid, hoping his comments give the Spaniards a little more incentive to put one on Liverpool, knowing he doesn't want to meet the Reds later in the competition. His comments to the Spansih club are way to flippant/negative. Or are they?
That analysis is a bit of a stretch IMO.
I can't believe that Ferguson thinks that anything he says about Benzema would affect the result of the Barca-Lyon tie. The difference between the teams is just too vast.
As for Liverpool. I also can't believe that he is so concerned about them that he would be trying to gee up Real. Liverpool is a side that United has owned over the last 3 or 4 seasons. I think that he just does not like Real and will take a dig at them whenever prompted. I also didn't get the impression that he was saying that Real wouldn't get past Liverpool specifically, just that they will be found out eventually, because there are several better teams out there.
As for who I think Ferguson is concerned with, other than the immediate opponent (Inter) it would be Barcelona. They are favourites for the CL, not by a little bit, by a lot.
One thing I would say is that you never know which questions are asked and these reports always make it seem as if the manager is spouting off unbidden. He was most likely asked about Madrid and Benzema specifically. He still should steer clear of making any comments about Benzema if he has any interest in the player though.
I saw an excerpt from the same article where he was given his opinion on Wenger's transfer strategy that was cringe-worthy. He didn't say anything untrue (said that he cultivates youths and when he does buy an experienced player it is the same type of player that he already has) but it came off as kicking a dog when its down. Much better to leave that for the fans and the press to do.
