Champions League - Semi Final showdown
If ever the manager had a major role to play it is in tonight's Champions league semi final showdown between Manchester United and Barcelona.
Barcelona have lost the title race in Spain and coach Rijkaard is under tremendous pressure and even a Champions League win would not necessarily keep him at the club. The Barca faithful have become increasing more frustrated with their teams performances and given the array of talent it is hard not to feel sympathy for them.
It seems if ever there were proof that a talented group of individuals do not necessarily make a successful team it is proven by Barca at the moment. Even with Ronaldinho injured and seemingly on his way out of the club a team that can call on the likes of Eto'o Henry and Messi surely must be able to do better.
Man Utd have their own problems at the moment highlighted by the strange team selection by Sir Alex for the Chelsea game at the weekend which resulted in a 2-1 defeat and making the premiership title race closer then it should be add the fact that the club have to deal with the aftermath of the scuffle after the game, the possibility that Rooney will be out of the match due to injury and the fact that Ronaldo has looked jaded in the last couple of games and it proves my point that both managers have a crucial role to fill in tonight's game.
For me Sir Alex will have his team right for tonight, he has proven over the years that united are at their most dangerous when they are being put under pressure and the crucial fact in his favour is that he is THE boss in the dressing room which is something that you cannot say about Rijkaard.
I expect Man U to come out a guns blazing tonight and win the tie to advance to Moscow and a final clash next month with Liverpool or Chelsea.
