New Delhi: Alex Ferguson has revealed today that he thinks in terms of excitement and glamour that there is no finer competition in the world than the UEFA Champions League.
Ferguson has won the trophy twice as manager of Manchester United, and the Scotsman thinks that it brings together the best of the game from all over the world.
"I think it's the biggest competition in the world now, I really do," he told uefa.com.
"You have all the best players from South America and Europe, and the great clubs that I've always dreamed about. When I was starting out as a coach at Aberdeen, I dreamed that one day I would be playing Real Madrid and Barcelona, Internazionale and AC Milan, and now we've got them all in one pot."
"When the draw is made you say, 'Phew, thank goodness we didn't get them', because there are so many historically great teams. And that's the thing for me, that's the sparkle of it – the thing that lights me up is that all these great teams in the history of the game are all there, all trying to win the biggest competition in football."
Ferguson was speaking at a UEFA coaching forum, where several features of the modern game were discussed, including the success and style of Barcelona. The Scotsman though was keen to give his backing to the idea being trialled in this season's Europa League of having an extra match official behind each goal.
"It's interesting. If, for instance, there's a counter attack, the referee can't keep up with some of the players of today," said Sir Alex.
"As soon as they get into the penalty box, someone else can help – it's an absolute advantage for the referee.
"We've all been [talking] for years and years about technology and improving the things that we're talking about, whether the ball was over the line, whether it was a penalty or not. At least there's progress here, and progress is important. I think we should try it."
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