Jordi Cruyff thinks Pep Guardiola could be in line to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson
As judges of Champions League finalists and their managers go, few can have better credentials than Jordi Cruyff. The man who will forever be remembered as Johan’s son, gave Footymatters’ Robert Fletcher an exclusive insight into his thoughts ahead of Saturday’s Wembley encounter.
Jordi Cruyff knows a thing or two about the protagonists who lock horns under the Wembley arch on Saturday night.
Few players have pulled on the shirts of both Manchester United and Barcelona, but the 37-year-old managed that feat in a career that was blighted by injury, and also by the constant comparisons with his father – one of the world’s greatest players.
That career saw him play alongside Barcelona boss Josep Guardiola at the Nou Camp in the early 1990s, and under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
He joined the Red Devils in 1996 but his time at Old Trafford was beset by a series of injuries. He eventually left the club in 2000 after just 34 appearances, going on to play in Spain, Ukraine and Malta.
Cryuff is now settled in Cyprus where he is director of football at AEK Larnaca, the club having just finished fourth in the Cypriot top league.
He told FootyMatters what he thinks will happen on Saturday night, and how he can envisage Guardiola stepping into Ferguson’s shoes at Old Trafford at some point in the future.
WHO’S GOING TO WIN?
Unlike many watchers, Cruyff does not expect Barcelona just to turn up and take the trophy home, seeing the team spirit of Manchester United as a real match to the individual skills of the Barcelona players.
“I think there is a very slim and slight percentage in favour of Barcelona,” said Cruyff.
“They are the best team in Europe, play the best football and their consistency in the last year is there. Although, United have very similar statistics.
“I think the advantage of United is they have one very big star as, internationally, everyone usually talks about Rooney. They have been selling players over the years, but they have been making their side stronger every year, which will work massively in their favour.
“Barcelona - it will depend on the day that Messi has. If he has a good day then they are almost invincible, but if he has a medium or a bad day then there are chances for Manchester. With United, I believe they are more stronger as a team, whereas Barcelona have more individuals.
“But I don’t think in the end it will be all about individuals. The only big star in the world at the moment is Messi, and there’s no-one that can match him.”
WHO WILL BE THE BETTER PREPARED?
Guardiola and Ferguson have been working overtime to figure out the weaknesses of the opposition, and will continue to do so until kick-off on Saturday. Cruyff has first-hand experience of how both men think, and what they could be planning ahead of the game.
“I believe that United know that Barcelona are the better team in possession, so I think they will work very hard on how to protect their goal,” said Cruyff.
“United have a lot of effectiveness off the ball and don’t need many chances, but Barca need the ball to win, United don’t.
“United can not have a lot of possession and can still win. That’s going to be the thing to watch out for for Barcelona.”
HOME ADVANTAGE FOR UNITED?
With the final being played at Wembley, some have suggested that playing on home soil could work to Manchester United’s advantage. Both sides have won the trophy at the venue – Barcelona beating Sampdoria in 1992 and United overcoming Benfica in 1968 – and Cruyff doesn’t believe Wembley will play much of a part in deciding who will emerge victorious.
“Wembley is not United’s stadium, so I don’t think it will be a big issue,” said Cruyff. “Of course there will be more English fans, which is normal, but I don’t think it will be a big issue for Barcelona.”
IS GUARDIOLA THE NEW FERGUSON?
Many people have also been talking about the retirement of Ferguson, with some suggesting that he wants one more Champions League success before he ends his phenomenal managerial career. Guardiola has been mentioned as a possible replacement, and Cruyff believes he is more than capable of making the grade at Old Trafford.
“He could possibly replace Sir Alex, but not next season,” Cruyff said.
“Ferguson has already said that he wants to continue, whereas Guardiola has committed himself to a new contract at the Nou Camp. But, maybe the year after, I think the two coaches that United will be looking at are Mourinho and Guardiola.”