24/11/2008 20:30, Report by Ben Hibbs, in Valencia
Sir Alex stands by RonaldoIt seems anyone, given the chance, likes to have a pop at Cristiano Ronaldo. But Sir Alex Ferguson believes Ronny can overcome any obstacles in his way.
Ronaldo came in for a barrage of abuse from Aston Villa fans at the weekend, following on from sustained heckling from Stoke City fans at Old Trafford a week earlier. But we've been here before, notably after England’s exit from the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany. And the United boss says Ronaldo responds in the only way he knows how.
“On Saturday he showed that moral courage of always wanting the ball, as he always does,” said the Reds boss. “He was tackled many times – most of the time fairly – but there were a few occasions where he didn’t get the right decisions.”
Being targeted, physically or vocally, is nothing new for the Portuguese winger. “That’s a mantle you carry when you’re a great player,” said Sir Alex. “He knows that, and he knows that you have to get on with it.
“There was some criticism of him that he couldn’t take it on Saturday. Tell me someone who likes getting abuse. Please point him out to me. It’s exactly what we say to him; He’s a great player and it’s not a problem.”
Journalists at the pre-match press conference in Spain pushed Sir Alex on whether he thinks treatment of the 23-year-old is getting worse, citing ankle straps as a potential indication of the need to protect. “A lot of players wear bandages on their ankles,” the Reds boss responded. “It’s maybe changed over the last few years. Maybe today people look for more strength to the ankles. I wouldn’t have worn them in my day. But he got a lot of knocks to his ankles on Saturday. There were a few cuts and bruises, but it’s nothing serious.”
Nevertheless, Sir Alex is considering whether to leave Ronny out of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Villarreal at the Madrigal Stadium. But if there is one thing we have learned about Ronaldo, he gets straight back up, dusts himself down and hits teams, players or supporters where it hurts. |
發表於 2008-11-25 05:27 AM
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