CLARE BALDING HAS interviewed Alex Ferguson as part of BT Sports’ Christmas Day programme.
In the teaser below, the former Manchester United boss jokingly compares the Chelsea boss to Hollywood star George Clooney and adds that the Portuguese is an “example” to other coaches.
“It’s unfair really because he’s good-looking,” Ferguson said. “He’s got that sort of George Clooney light bits in his hair.
“But I think he’s a great example. He can speak five languages or whatever he can. He goes in as an interpreter for Bobby Robson, follows him to Barcelona, works under Louis van Gaal — he’s learning all the time.
“He’s got a determination he wants to be a coach. He never played the game by the way. You tell me how many presidents would have given a manager a job and never played? None. But he’s done it.
“Then he goes and manages a small team in Portugal. Then goes to Porto and wins the league, the UEFA Cup and the European Cup. Goes to Chelsea and wins the league twice in a row. Goes to Inter Milan…
“That’s an example to anyone who wants to do well. You shouldn’t let the barriers get in your way if you want to get there.”
Clare Balding Meets Sir Alex Ferguson is on BT Sport on Christmas Day at 3.30pm and St Stephens’ Day at 12pm
