Alex Ferguson: We have a solution for Messi Problem

Posted Wednesday, May 25, 2011 by

Alex Ferguson: We have a solution for Messi Problem
Alex Ferguson admits Barcelona are even better than they were in 2009

THE TASK proved beyond Jose Mourinho’s tactical acumen, but Sir Alex Ferguson is confident he can find the solution.

Alex Ferguson admits Barcelona are an even better team than the one that sent Manchester United into a summer of despair two years ago, but he believes they can be stopped in the Champions League final on Saturday.

And not just by defending with tenacity and concentration at Wembley, but also by using United’s considerable attacking resources.

As a reference point, he preferred to look back to the semi-final in 2008, when United nullified the threat of Lionel Messi and shut out Barca in both legs to reach the final.

Ferguson has shown his players what they did right in those two games – as well as what they got wrong the following year in Rome. And by the way he was talking yesterday, he feels he has come up with the answers.

“The two semi-final matches in 2008 involved fantastic concentration. That was the key for us and that’s a very important issue in terms of Saturday,” said Ferguson.

“As for the 2009 final, when we lost the first goal it was a sudden lapse of concentration in terms of regrouping after we’d lost the ball. That’s what cost us.

“So the concentration is going to be very important in dealing with all the issues in terms of attacking and defending.

“Barcelona have improved from 2009. They have more maturity about their team now. Winning that European Cup was a big step forward for them as a team.

“We’ve played against them three times in recent years with Messi in the team and there’s always a solution to every good player – and we hope we can find it on Saturday.

“But you also have to recognise that they have other good players and we have good players too. That is why it’s such an appealing game.

“It’s not just about Barcelona, it’s about us too – what’s best for us and the best way of winning the match. It will be down to how we operate the attacking part.

“I’m sure that Barcelona are aware of the threats we can offer.”
Ferguson says his team selection is going to be crucial but he is not relishing informing some players they are not in the team or on the bench.

Javier Hernandez’s searing pace, movement and eye for goal mean he will surely start at Dimitar Berbatov’s expense. And Ji-Sung Park’s incredible stamina, unselfish team work and tactical awareness seem certain to earn him the nod over the more naturally talented Nani.

If Darren Fletcher has convinced his manager his strength is back to cope with such a demanding game, will it mean that Michael Carrick or Ryan Giggs – so superb in central midfield together against Chelsea and Schalke – miss out? And at right-back it is a three-way fight between the exuberance and flair of either of the Da Silva twins, or the solid dependability of John O’Shea.

Ferguson said: “It’s not easy picking a team with the players I’ve got because they’ve all contributed this season. But hopefully we will pick the right team and substitutes.

“It’s not easy because you are dealing with the human side of the game and players have worked ever so hard all season for the team. Unfortunately there’s one person that has to tell them and it’s me. It’s not an easy job but it has to be done. I pick a team for the right reasons and I pick the substitutes for the right reasons.”

It is rare for United to go into any game as underdogs, but Ferguson does not care what the bookies or the pundits might think.

“I don’t think it’s any advantage being the underdogs,” he said. “I have just got to trust my players that they can perform. I know they will be ready and I believe they will represent us very well.” The last time United played in a European Cup final at Wembley, in 1968, Sir Matt Busby’s team had the nation behind them, the match with Benfica coming a decade after the Munich disaster.

This time, Ferguson accepts it will be different. There will be joy on Merseyside, in London and in Yorkshire if they fail.

“I remember 1968 and everybody in the whole country, and particularly Scotland because of the Scottish links, was rooting for them. It was a fantastic feat because Busby lost most of his team in 1958 and rebuilt to win the European Cup 10 years later. It was incredible. It was a fantastic achievement and the whole country was behind them.

“But it’s a different story with United these days. We live in a country of tribalism. You have Liverpool fans,
Leeds fans, fans from the north, south, east. You’re never going to get unilateral support. Yes, I understand it and it’s not a problem for us.”

True to form, Ferguson could not resist a sarcastic pop at the English game’s governing body. “The FA are right behind us, so we’re encouraged by that,” he said.‘I’m sure that Barcelona are aware of the threats we can offer’