Football Update: Ferguson argues lack of break in EPL, as a reason of England’s exit in World Cup
Sir Alex Ferguson has criticised the schedule of English Premier League as the main reason of English exit from World Cup. Ferguson has lamented the continued absence of a mid-season break from the English football calendar, as a main factor towards debacle performance of Fabio Capello’s side in the World Cup 2010.
Talking to media on Manchester United pre-season tour of United States of America, the Scott said, “(The FA) has to give the country the best possible chance of doing well in the World Cup and because of the nature of our game and because of the demands from television, the idea of a winter break, which I was first talking about 30 years ago in Scotland and have done since I came down to England.” He further added, “Nothing has happened about it. They must realise that, going into the World Cup, they have handicapped their team.”
One of most notable reason of English side’s failure in South Africa was inability of Wayne Rooney to find back of the net. Despite having a stellar season with Red Devils, where he scored phenomenal 34 goals in all competition, the former Everton player failed to find a single goal at World Cup for a second successive time.
However, Ferguson is confident that Rooney will brush aside his disappointments in Africa, when he comes back to Old Trafford for English Premier League season starting in August. Two-time Champions League winner, Ferguson believes that despite having a flop World Cup campaign, the experience in South Africa will greatly add to Rooney’s football intelligence and will help Manchester United as they gear up to take English Premier League title back from Chelsea. Commenting on Rooney, Fergie said, “He had an improvement in terms of his timing and movement in the penalty box and his positioning was improved from the previous season. He got us over 30 goals and if he does that again and adds a little bit to his game then that is what we expect.”
United's run-in last season was plagued by injuries especially in the later part of the season. Even in-form Wayne Rooney was injured during a Champions League tie against Bayern Munich in March. The knock was one of many setbacks which beleaguered United’s season, as they were able to win only Carling Cup. However, Ferguson is hopeful that club's treatment room will be much quieter during the weeks and months coming up. He said, “Every year we say the same thing - all the managers say the same thing - 'We should be okay as long as we don't have too many injuries'. It is part and parcel of the game unfortunately that you have to legislate for injuries.”
Commenting on the list of his injured players last season, he said, “Last season, we started off with cover right along the back four in all positions but we ended up with Neville, O'Shea, Vidic, Ferdinand, the two Da Silvas, Brown all injured and most of them at the same time. It put a tremendous strain on us.”
Manchester United has brought new talents in form of Chris Smalling and Mexican Javier Hernandez. According to pundits, Manchester United requires further strengthening if they want to seriously contend for EPL title. The United boss is adamant that his current squad is capable of challenging for honours. “I think we have an outstanding chance because what people are not recognising in Manchester United at the moment is the developing nature of the team, i.e. the younger players that are coming through, who have been at the club for maybe two or three years, are now starting to emerge,” said Ferguson.
Though the old man of Manchester is hopeful of his team chances in the upcoming season, he is still clearly frustrated of missing the chance of winning English record 19th title last season. For him, the never-ending season of the EPL is the main reason in United coming up short.
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