Sunday, November 4, 2007

Alex Ferguson - Learn to Lose Gracefully

Manchester United did not lose by drawing 2-2 with Arsenal yesterday afternoon, but for Alex Ferguson, it certainly felt like a defeat. Judging by his bitter comments after the game:

"I think we have thrown it away. At 2-1 you think you've won the game and for them to get a second goal when they did - for us to give it way in injury-time - it is very hard to take I can tell you. It is a fact that they got out of jail." Ferguson said.

And there's more:

"We produced some good football for our goals but their goals were a bit scrappy. It's unlike Arsenal. They normally score goals from good passing movements. Today they were slashing the ball in the box and getting goals from it." On how he implied Arsenal were getting rewarded for Wimbledon-style tactics instead of playing football like how his own team 'always does'.

I might be wrong or getting old, but didn't United's second goal come from some confusion in Arsenal's defence? Almunia came out, left his goal open and with Arsenal in disarray it was a simple tap in from Ronaldo. While that isn't terrible football, but it's a far cry from calling it a class above the rest.

The fact is Arsenal played United at their own game - bruising, bullying football. That was how United destroyed the Unbeatables of Highbury that eventually led to a disintegration of that team. This Arsenal team is capable of some dizzying football, but have shown themselves to be just as capable of dishing it out to other teams who aren't interested in the beautiful game.

It won't be the first time that the sour Scot Ferguson will gripe to the press. But while winning trophies can brand you a legend to your own club, winning without grace will be something everybody else remembers.

Just another psychological warfare waged against Wenger? Probably, and my money's on Wenger to be lured into it (again). But it's starting to get really tired and it is a terrible example for young professionals and kids who love the game. Look at United's young players. They are all brilliant players, but too often, they bring their manager's image on the field with their petulant displays. Call it arrogance, but Bryan Robson never gave any quarter in the past, yet always displayed excellent professionalism and class both on and off the field.

1 comment:

Baby Faced Assassin said...

This is the man who got his team to give the then champions Chelsea a standing ovation at Old Trafford on their last match. We Mancunians know how to accept defeat but not when it is inflicted by the referee!