Ferguson predicts a classic Champions League final

Saturday's Champions League final between Manchester United and Barcelona could be a classic between two of the finest teams of the last decade, Alex Ferguson said on Friday.

The Manchester United manager said it was impossible to predict what would happen when the two sides meet at Wembley Stadium in a repeat of the 2009 final which Barcelona won 2-0 in Rome.

The 69-year-old, bidding to join Bob Paisley of Liverpool as the only coach to win Europe's top club competition three times, agreed Saturday's match could be the best final of the decade as he heaped lavish praise on his opposite number Pep Guardiola.

"The success that both teams have had in the last decade has been enormous and it could not just be the final of the decade, but the best final," he said.

"The two teams have great histories, that's obvious, but it's an appealing final in what could happen tomorrow -- anything could happen.

"There could be a lot of goals, a lot of excitement and there will be a lot of good football, I'm sure of that, so it is all set up -- and hopefully it turns out that way."

Ferguson also spoke of his admiration for Guardiola, 40, as both a player and coach and said he tried to sign him for United when he left Barca as a player a decade ago.

"I spoke to his agent when he left Barcelona and in the end he decided to go to Italy and maybe it was a moment lost because I admired him as a footballer.

"I thought he was a fantastic passer of the ball. The Barcelona team that beat us 4-0 at that time with players like (Jose Maria) Bakero and (Aitor) Beguiristain was superb."

He had equal respect for Guardiola as a coach.

"Since taking over he has changed the way they play and brought maturity to the team.

"From beating us in Rome to the present day, you can see that maturity, and also he has changed the way they press the ball which has been very impressive in the last year or so.

"For a young coach, he has done fantastically well.

"He has a presence about him and he played for Barcelona, which helps of course. If you look at the history of Barcelona's Dutch coaches, he has made a big step forward for Spanish coaches."

However, Ferguson added, he was confident that his team would triumph on Saturday.

"We are not looking for revenge," he said, "but I trust in the players and believe they will do the job."

Reuters

Vidic warns against Messi obsession

Nemanja Vidic fears Champions League heartbreak for Manchester United if they become obsessed with shacklingLionel Messi in Saturday's final against Barcelona at Wembley.

Vidic captained United to a record 19th English title this month but the Serbian defensive rock knows he is in for one of the toughtest tests of his career against the stardust quality of Pep Guardiola's Spanish champions.

Messi scored in Barca's 2-0 victory over United in the 2009 Champions League final in Rome and has dominated the build-up but Vidic will not have eyes only for the twinkle-toed Argentine goal machine.

"Messi is a great player and is really hard to stop," said Vidic. "But I would not underestimate the other players they have like Xavi and (Andres) Iniesta, they're really good players who can produce good performances in the vital games.

"It is not just about one player. It's about stopping Barcelona as a team."

Vidic remembers only too well the sight of Carles Puyol lifting the Champions League trophy for the Catalans two years ago and says that image is a motivating factor for Wembley.

"Obviously when you get to a final as big as that and lose the game it's not a great feeling," added the former Spartak Moscow player.

"To see the other team celebrate the biggest trophy you can have, it's not a great moment.

"It's sad but we had to say that the better team won that night. Barcelona are a great team and obviously they will have a lot of possession during the game.

"But it is down to us to exploit their weaknesses which all teams have."

United have no injury worries but it remains to be seen whether manager Alex Ferguson opts for a five-man midfield to counter Barcelona's threat or gambles with a second striker.

"The gaffer has some big calls to make because all the players are fit and it will be really hard to choose the first 11," said Vidic.

 Reuters