ERIKSSON FOLLOWS THE LEADERS

Last updated : 01 September 2004 By Editor

Has anyone else noticed how Eriksson picks his team only after seeing what club managers think? Smith was picked for England after only one United game, the previously undroppable Heskey is left out only after Liverpool etc etc. But given his choice of Ruud as man of the match at the Cup Final, is it any wonder he doesn’t trust his own judgement?

Sven on Alan Smith:

“It's his nature to be aggressive in football and that is good if you don't do it too much. He has been playing very well this season for us and Manchester United so I'm not worried that he is too aggressive.

“Experience is something you must earn, he is a young player and maybe he did some stupid things in the past. But now he's older, he's playing for Manchester United and playing for England.”

Smith himself from United’s site:

- It’s been a hectic few months since you moved to Old Trafford what with the American tour, the Vodafone Cup, the Champions League qualifier and the start of the Premiership season…

“Yeah, it’s been good! When you’re training and playing matches you just have to concentrate on that. The less time I’ve got on my hands the better it is for me. I’d rather be down at the training ground or playing matches than back at home getting bored!”

- From a footballing perspective, how well do you feel you’ve settled into the team?

“I think it’ll take a while to be honest because United play in a completely different way to what I’ve been used to at Leeds. We’re obviously a team that expects to win football matches and we have a lot of confidence going into games that we can beat anyone because United don’t settle for second best.

“That’s a bit strange for me because towards the end of my time at Leeds we used to look more at the opposition rather than ourselves. Every game was like a Cup final because we were trying to stay in the Premiership, but at United every match is a big one because everybody wants to beat you; that’s the biggest difference I’ve found since I’ve been here. But there are enough characters and quality in the dressing room to make sure that we do win football matches.”

- Despite United’s long list of casualties at the moment, injuries are something that all clubs have to deal with aren’t they?

“Yes they are. It’s just important that the players who are currently getting their chance in the side are playing well. It’s vital to have a big squad these days and it gives all the players a chance to show what they can do. When you come to a club like United you realise that everybody’s going to get an opportunity at some point because we’ve got so many games. So squad rotation is very important.”

- How does playing in the Champions League compare to life in the Premiership?

“It’s certainly different and you have to approach European football in a different manner. Saying that, I think the English style of football suits the European kind. We play with a high tempo and like to get the ball forward and put teams on the back foot.

“The most important thing is we’re through to the group stages of the Champions League; for a club like Manchester United it’s essential that we’re there. Playing Champions League football is one of the biggest attractions about coming here.

“It’s the biggest cup competition in the world and it’s the place where you want to play your football. Hopefully we can enjoy a good run in the competition this season and get to the final.”