Barcelona Are the Best Team Ever Admits Ferguson

Published May 29, 2011 | By Rolly

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that in his 25 years in the United hot seat, Barcelona are the best team he has ever had to face.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men were thoroughly outplayed and outclassed by a mesmeric Barcelona side who eventually triumphed 3-1 courtesy of goals from Pedro, Messi and a superb curling effort by David Villa.

The victory reaffirmed the Spanish champions’ credentials as the world’s number one side whilst also sealing a fourth European Cup for the Catalans.

Reflecting on Saturday’s final at Wembley, Red Devils coach Sir Alex Fergsuon was in no doubt as to the quality of his opponents – even going as far as naming Pep Guardiola’s men as the best team he has ever came up against.

“In my time as a manager it is the best team we have faced,” he admitted.

“I think everyone acknowledges that. I accept that. It’s not easy when you have been well beaten like that to think any other way. No one has given us a hiding like that. It’s a great moment for them. They deserve it because they play the right way and they enjoy their football.”

The Scot then pinpointed the failure of his defence and midfield to get a grip on Barca striker and man-of-the-match Lionel Messi who was allowed to run riot as he eviscerated United with his skill and artistry.

“They mesmerize you with their passing and we never really controlled Messi. When we got the lifeline of Wayne Rooney I expected us to do better in the second half but it wasn’t to be.”

“We tried to play the way we normally play. It’s alien to us to man-mark players, It wasn’t good enough on the night. We understand that and we acknowledge it and we can step forward from here,” he added.

Having been outclassed by Pep Guardiola’s men twice in 3 seasons, Fergie admitted that Barcelona are the club to beat in an era which has been encapsulated by exceptional pass-and-move football.

“Great teams go in cycles and the cycle they (Barcelona) are in at the moment is the best in Europe, there’s no question of that,” he stated.

“How long it lasts, whether they can replace that team at another point…they certainly have the philosophy. Can you find players like Xavi and Iniesta and Messi all the time? Probably not. But they are enjoying the moment that they have just now.”

Posted in Champions League, News | Tagged Barcelona, Champions Leauge, European Cup final, Lionel Messi, Manchester United, Pedro, Sir Alex Ferguson, UEFA, Wembley

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The reason as to why Barca are the greatest club team at the moment is simply down to the fact that the nucleus of the team have played together for years. They almost have a sixth sense with regards to positional play and can anticipate each other’s moves which gives them that extra yard of space and time. I live in Spain and my boy plays in the local leagues. They start to play competitive football at 5 years old over here and publish results and league tables, unlike in England where this is only done at Under 9 level. This means that Spanish footballers have 3 or 4 years “playing experience” over their English counterparts. Teams over here tend to stay together and it is very common for 2 or 3 players from one team to get snapped up by a La Liga club where they will nuture them together through the age groups. Xavi, Iniesta etc did this at Barca. It needs to be sorted at grassroots level.