Goalkeeper "MU" David de Gea said that in the "Athletics" he had many friends, as Sir Alex Ferguson said high organization of the team from Bilbao.
On the eve of a meeting with "Athletics" in the eighth finals of the UEFA Europa League coach, "Manchester United" Sir Alex Ferguson has shown awareness of the opponent, and noted his strong points.
The only time "Manchester United" and "Athletic" have met in European competition over half a century ago, when mankuniantsy performed under the legendary Matt Busby.After the defeat in the Bilbao with a score of 3:5, they won with the required result (3:0) to Britain and made their way to the semifinals of the European Cup-1957. Ferguson wants to repeat the achievement of his great predecessor and defeat the Basques to get into the quarterfinals of the European League.
"The enemy is very hard, - assured 70-year-old coach. -" Athletic "is very powerful and is now progressing rapidly. Given no better results in Europe this season, we must be vigilant from the start. We have an opportunity take place in European competition next, but for this we must be on top. "
"I never met with the coach," Athletics' Marcelo Belsoy, but I respect his work. He created a well organized team that is full of faith in our strength - continued steering "United." - He instilled in his players positive qualities, and today, "Athletics "the best team I've seen in the Basque over the years. Matches will be very difficult. First of all we have to play well in defense. If you ask me to win 1-0, I agree, because it's better than 2-1 or 3- 2 ".
Much of the opposition to the "Athletics" will depend on a young goalkeeper David De Gea, who earned a large portion of critics, while to settle in Manchester. After moving from Madrid, "Atletico" last summer, he was the first play against the representative of Spain.
"Yes, at first I received unflattering at times, but it only made me stronger - said 21-year-old goalkeeper. - At such moments, you realize that he must continue to fight and work hard. I've got one more chance to show what I stand I took it. Pro "Athletic" I can say only good things. I have many friends. This team is in the championship in fourth place, so we understand that we will not be easy. In the attack at the "Athletics" are great football players " .
Indeed, particular attention will have to look after the English players such as Markel Susaeta, Iker Munyain and Fernando Llorente. "We are very pleased to yield to this stage. All thrilled and full of hope - said Argentine coach," Athletics. "- Participation in the European League" Manchester United ", with its tremendous track record of excellent players and a great coach talks about the highest level of competition."
