CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Ferguson Says United Can Beat Juventus
Copyright � 1999 Nando Media
Copyright � 1999 Reuters News Service
MANCHESTER, England (March 19, 1999 11:14 a.m. EST http://www.sportserver.com) - Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson believes his players have got what it takes to beat Juventus in the European Cup semifinals on Friday.
Dynamo Kiev face Bayern Munich in the other semi.
United, which knocked out Inter Milan in the quarterfinals, has won one and lost four of its previous Champions' League meetings with Juventus.
But Ferguson claims his team has improved greatly since then.
"At this stage, you would expect a tough draw, but we have the experience of playing against them four times in the last two or three years," he said.
"The important thing is that the players know all about them, and to be honest we have also improved.
"It will be a hard game for us, but hopefully we can make it hard for Juventus."
United's one success over Juventus came last season when it beat them 3-2 at Old Trafford in a group game.
Ferguson claims his players must reach that standard if they are to progress to the final in Barcelona on May 26.
"We did exceptionally well in that game after losing a goal with the first kick of the game," he said.
"We came back to 3-1, and they got a goal with the final kick of the ball, so that's the kind of concentration which will be required."
Friday's draw in Geneva means the first leg will be at Old Trafford on April 7 before the return at the Delle Alpi stadium two weeks later.
United legend Sir Bobby Charlton welcomed the draw, saying he was delighted Ferguson's side have avoided the arduous trek to Kiev.
"It's an OK draw, but we knew we were going to get a tough draw at this stage of the competition," said Sir Bobby.
"When you look at it, it is not so bad.
"We know Juventus well after playing them recently and we have beaten an Italian team to reach the semifinals, which will give us confidence. But we are expecting another hard game.
"But at least we have avoided the long journey to the Ukraine."
Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld was looking forward to two testing matches against Dynamo Kiev and their highly-rated striker Andrei Shevchenko.
"It's a difficult draw for us," he said. "People may not know Kiev as well as Manchester or Juventus, but I know they are a dangerous team up front, full of international forwards."
The German league leader's midfielder, Stefan Effenberg, added: "The team reacted well to the draw, but there are no easy opponents in the semifinals. Kiev play well away from home."
Kiev coach Valery Lobanovsky did not seem worried about the task in hand. "We respect all our opponents, but we fear no-one," he said after the draw.
The first-leg will be played in Kiev.
