Anderson: I told Fergie I could do it
Anderson has revealed that he told Sir Alex Ferguson to put him into the match because he had the ability to remain calm and convert the penalty in the thrilling end of the UEFA Champions League Final. Anderson came on on the 30+5 minute of extra time, when both managers knew that the match would end with a penalty contest. He was brought on for Wes Brown, whose penalty taking is not something Fergie would risk when the stakes are so high. Grant risked it and it cost him the Champions League, by having John Terry striking the 5th penalty. The Chelsea substitution saw Belletti coming on for Makelele.
Anderson took the 6th penalty, exactly after John Terry’s night turned into the most miserable of his entire life, by hitting the post, when he could have been the hero of the night for Chelsea. Anderson scored his penalty, but it was matched by Kalou’s penalty. Man utd’s win came in the 7th round after Giggs converted the penalty and Anelka missed his for Chelsea.
“Ferguson looked at me and I told him he could trust me. I knew I could have the opportunity to score a penalty, and spent those minutes thinking about it, until it came my turn. In the decisive moments, the coach likes to have players with great will and personality, which I do not lack.”
“In just over one week I have become English champion, champion of Europe and was also summoned to the Brazilian selecao. It is a magic time that I’m enjoying very much.” – Anderson
okay, well Man U is very powerful, but I hope Kaka better stay with my Milan cause if he leaves we might crash.
JT’s a very good penalty taker, even Rio admitted afterwards so it was hardly a risk from Grant, was just unlucky he lost his footing – does that make Beckham a bad penalty taker?
not saying that JT is a bad penalty taker, but he’s a defender! they don’t get much shooting practise except in training. i have the impression that in set-pieces, defenders are best at heading corners. terry is a wonderful player, i agree with you. but chelsea themselves admitted that terry shouldnt have shot the 5th penalty. it should have been drogba’s and believe me if that was the case, it would have been a different story, and you wouldn’t have seen my posts on the blog
Slightly different comments from Anderson than those published from Anelka. Probably sums up the mood in each of the camps very well. Either or Anelka or Grant will surely be on there way now. Luckily for the former, I think it will be the latter.