Platini hits back at Ferguson over Europa League jibe
UEFA president Michel Platini hit back at Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson after he seemed to belittle the Europa League.
Ferguson described being in the Europa League as his team's "punishment" for having failed to qualify for the Champions League knock-out rounds following their shock 2-1 defeat at Basel on Wednesday night.
"The world does not revolve around England, I like England a lot, its football is fantastic, its supporters are wonderful but you shouldn't criticise the Europa League just because you've played in three Champions League finals," said Platini referring to United's final appearances in 2008, 2009 and earlier this year.
"The Europa League is a brilliant competition, it's amazing. I know Mr Ferguson would have preferred to be in the Champions League but so would many clubs who don't have that possibility."
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Efrem Galea
Dec 9th 2011, 10:39
i think Platini misunderstood the gaffers' words.. Ferguson meant that for a club like United, playing in the Europa League is like going a step down. Man Utd haven't played in the Europa League for the past 14 years as they were almost always with the last 8 in the Champions League!
Alfred Cassar
Dec 8th 2011, 21:46
If you're not good enough to play in the Champions League then you have a consolation price in the Europa League. Heqq xi darba tmiss lill-Papa
John Dee
Dec 8th 2011, 21:38
Ferguson's world revolves around Ferguson. End of.