abramovich Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 The red nosed c.nt is at it earlier than usual. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4380513.ece Sir Alex Ferguson has lit the blue touchpaper four weeks before the new season by claiming that Chelsea's squad may have already peaked and that Luiz Felipe Scolari will struggle to exorcise the ghost of José Mourinho. Although Ferguson believes that Chelsea represent the biggest threat to his team's chances of retaining their Barclays Premier League crown, the Manchester United manager suggested that Scolari, newly installed at Stamford Bridge, will be hard pressed to match, let alone surpass, Mourinho's achievements as he wrestles with an ageing squad. Scolari is less than a month into the job, but already the mind games have begun. Speaking during United's pre-season tour to South Africa, Ferguson said: “I'm not concerned about Chelsea. Mourinho won the title two years in a row and beat us in the FA Cup Final [in 2007, as well as winning two League Cups], so there's no one who can improve on his record really. “It would have to go beyond Mourinho's performance to really worry us. It will be a challenge with the players they've got and the players they've added - they've got a lot of experience and that was the one thing I was a bit concerned about - but I don't know how far that team has got to go.†Ferguson believes the wealth of experience in Chelsea's squad will stand them in good stead in the short term, but he is convinced that, in contrast to his own players, they have already fulfilled their potential. Although the average age of the Chelsea team sent out by Avram Grant, Scolari's predecessor, in the Champions League final in Moscow in May was only marginally higher than that of the United side fielded by Ferguson - 28.45 compared to 27.45 - United have a noticeably more youthful set-up. The average age of United's recognised first-team squad is 25.43 compared with Chelsea's 27.32. In addition, Chelsea possess nine players aged 30 or over, including Deco, who joined from Barcelona last month, while United have only five players in that category. “Scolari is fortunate,†Ferguson said. “He is joining a big club and a team of internationals, so in that respect it's not an issue at all, but it's hard to see where there's going to be a big improvement with a team that's really very experienced. Maybe [they've] plateaued in a way. How can they accelerate beyond what they've done up to now when you see the ages they've got?†Other than John Obi Mikel, 21, and Salomon Kalou, 22, Chelsea have no established first-team players under 25, while United boast Anderson, Nani, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tévez and Darren Fletcher, a factor that Ferguson believes could tell in the coming seasons. “They've got Kalou and Obi Mikel who are young and Petr Cech [at 26] is a fantastic goalkeeper,†Ferguson said. “I'm not saying necessarily they're [an] old [team] because with the modern-day training methods, you should be playing in your thirties, but I don't see outstanding progress in a team that's in their thirties.†Ferguson's comments drew an immediate response from Chelsea. Michael Essien, the midfield player who signed a new five-year contract yesterday, said: “For me, only Chelsea will be up there in May. Chelsea will win the title this year. I think we've got a lot of the best players in the world and the boss is going to help us.†Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gem Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Well it is old, look at us in the 04/05 season, fresh, young, hungry players. Like I've said manier times, I'd rather risk younger/unknown players than these superstars. Who had heard of Arjen Robben, Petr Cech, Tiago etc before they signed for us? I'd rather us not purchase 30 year olds. I know its narrow minded, as it's not like once you hit 30 you're useless, I'd just like a younger squad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim W Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 I know its narrow minded, as it's not like once you hit 30 you're useless Believe me, you are, all the coordination goes, some things go too fast and other things just don't happen :wub: But like you I prefer them young B) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maksimov Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Who had heard of Arjen Robben, Petr Cech, Tiago etc before they signed for us? I had not heard of Tiago, but Robben was one of most hyped about young players in Europe at the moment. Cech was one of the best young keepers in the World, even before he joined Rennes. I mean, you're bound to notice it when someone doesn't let in a single goal in the Champions League in over four matches and does that while playing for a club like Sparta Praha. They weren't the biggest names out there, but they weren't exactly unknown either. They were young when we signed them, though, I'll give you that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimboola69 Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Good old Fergie and his mind games. He kind of has a point, but i am sure they will survive at least a year in which time they will tan the united backsides. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 "Ageing Squad" eh Fergie? Man United First Team of - Van de Saar (37), Neville (33), Vidic (26), Ferdinand (29), Evra (27), Carrick (26), Scholes (33), Giggs (34), Ronaldo (23), Rooney (22), Tevez (24) Average Age - 28.55 Chelsea First Team of - Cech (26), Boswinga (25), Carvalho (30), Terry (27), A Cole (27), Ballack (31), Lampard (30), Essien (25), Kalou (22), Joe Cole (26), Drogba (30) Average Age - 27.18 Don't belive a word of his mind games. (P.S. couldn't have been bothered working it out for the entire squads). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozboy Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Its not just the age but how much footie you have under the belt. Giggs and Scholes are clearly at the end of their careers, we just moved Maka on. Ballack and Lampard are our main risks and we have a ton of midfield cover. Ballack had a good half season off last year, and Lampard has also started to show wear and tear. Where we do need the right age is with whoever is up there with Drogs this season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 He is not talking complete nonsence, he has some fair points I think. What really wound me up about his interview this week is suggesting that Man Utd were a better option to Ronaldo than Real, talking as a father figure etc... what a load of old sh*te that was. How can moving to Real be a bad move ? and why exactly are Manure better ??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennyboy1976 Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 If he is already talking about our squad a month before the season even starts, it just seems to me that he is worried about our side. Hopefully we won't say anything about the Mancs and do all our talking where it counts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snitrbt25 Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Hmm don't remember him commenting on us last season. Must be worried.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barn Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Huge compliment that he's talking about us already, but on this he's wrong, we have some good experienced players but our average age will rarely be over 28 if ever. You need a mixture of youth and experience to win things and that's what we've got. He's running scared already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cassiya Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Old red nose up to his old tricks, all I can say is 'been there, saw it, got the t-shirt' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elliott Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 (edited) It's very early for him to start all this crap, but then Jose would of had no problem putting in a dig just as early. To say that they have more talented youngsters is a fair point; Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez, Nani, and Anderson compared to Mikel, and Kalou for example?...but i think he's obviously making a bigger deal out of this than necessary. Trying to throw doubts into our minds. After all, this is a squad that after some lengthy injuries, and a change in management, only finished 4 points behind? AND outplayed them for most of the European Final? - And now we've strengthened. (Without our final signing being made). Typical Fergie tactics really, and to be honest, Scolari wont be fooled. He's seen it all before. Edited July 23, 2008 by Elliott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjd Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 It's very early for him to start all this crap, but then Jose would of had no problem putting in a dig just as early. To say that they have more talented youngsters is a fair point; Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez, Nani, and Anderson compared to Mikel, and Kalou for example?...but i think he's obviously making a bigger deal out of this than necessary. Trying to throw doubts into our minds. After all, this is a squad that after some lengthy injuries, and a change in management, only finished 4 points behind? AND outplayed them for most of the European Final? - And now we've strengthened. (Without our final signing being made). Typical Fergie tactics really, and to be honest, Scolari wont be fooled. He's seen it all before. this is all great news. the season hasnt even started and already big red nose is paying us massive attention. good work phil. by my reckoning the average age of the two squads has united younger by around 6 months, making red nose look a idiot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c3blu Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 I agree for Fergie to be talking about us already is a clear sign of who he is worried about next season. He could have said the Gunners a too young to pose a threat of Liverpool are to sh*t. He knows they were out played for much of the game in the CL final and were lucky to win. He also knows we played them of the park at the Bridge in the Prem and just run out of games to take the title. The momentem was certainly with us in the run in(dont remember our tired old legs feeling the strain then). A bit of luck with injuries and at certain times in games(the ball coming of Woodgates head, Lampard, Drogba and Terry hitting the woodwork) and it could have been a treble for us last season. We have a better manager this season, and are improving the squad so it's understandable he is worried, if i was Scolari i'd be reminding the players about Fergies coments all season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Chelsea Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 we havent even kicked a ball yet and fergie is crapping himself about us lets just hope the chelsea pensioners make him eat his words come the end of may next year Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elliott Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Average ages Manchester United Edwin van der Sar 37 Gary Neville 33 Rio Ferdinand 29 Nemanja Vidic 26 Patrice Evra 27 Michael Carrick 26 Owen Hargreaves 27 Paul Scholes 33 Cristiano Ronaldo 23 Wayne Rooney 22 Carlos Tevez 24 Average age 28 Chelsea Petr Cech 26 Jose Bosingwa 25 John Terry 27 Ricardo Carvalho 30 Ashley Cole 27 Michael Essien 25 Frank Lampard 30 Michael Ballack 31 Deco 30 Didier Drogba 30 Joe Cole 26 Average age 28 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelsea FC Champions Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Essien: Oldies can be goldies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evissy Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 we havent even kicked a ball yet and fergie is crapping himself about uslets just hope the chelsea pensioners make him eat his words come the end of may next year He does that alot don't you think? He has soiled :D himself many times already with this whole Ronaldo saga. He is like a small dog who attacks even before it is threatened. He doesn't see Rafa pulling a miracle or Arsene winning it with the kids.. If Fergie looses Ronaldo this year who clearly is irreplaceable in their team I see no other way than us being in the top of the table the entire season. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Chelsea Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 He does that alot don't you think? He has soiled :D himself many times already with this whole Ronaldo saga. He is like a small dog who attacks even before it is threatened.He doesn't see Rafa pulling a miracle or Arsene winning it with the kids.. If Fergie looses Ronaldo this year who clearly is irreplaceable in their team I see no other way than us being in the top of the table the entire season. :D i await scolari's reply with anticipation, i reckon it will be brilliant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheWestwayWonder Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 quite simply, he's scared are you seriously telling me he fears a team who havent won silverware in 4 years, and another that hasnt won the league title for 19, more than us? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WV2 Blue Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 quite simply, he's scared I totally agree...i think Sir Allex Funguson knows he's in for a rough ride this season... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruh Buh Juh Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 SSn did this graphic thing comparing today's sides (us vs the pharmactists & mancs vs pirates) they're average age was 26, ours 28.5 but I didn't see it as true. The manc side had 3 youth players in it, if his first team played in it, ity would've been the same as us, probably more. But the fact is, he's saying that we have an old squad when the average age of his team is only minorly less than ours when he's got 3 20 year old's playing? Take them out, it shoots up. Hypocrite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abramovich Posted July 23, 2008 Author Share Posted July 23, 2008 Chopper: 'You talking out of your arse Fergie" http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/sport/footba...d.html?ITO=1490 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChelseaYankee Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Doesn't Red Nose have enough to worry about rather than worrying about us? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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