Clan
21 Aug 2002, 07:00 PM
Not sure if this was a great idea right b4 the game, but...
CARLO CUDICINI has branded Manchester United a disgrace for the way they threw away their Premiership crown.
But the Chelsea keeper's outburst could spark a United backlash when the teams meet at Stamford Bridge tomorrow night.
The deposed champions lost seven of their 13 games in the two months before Christmas last season, which allowed Arsenal to claim the title.
And Italian stopper Cudicini insisted: "United had six or seven games where they were a disgrace and lost a lot of points. That's probably why they finished third.
"Arsenal kept the same fitness levels and the same way of playing for longest last season.
"They are unbelievable up front with their pace and skill - they can kill everybody with the strikers they have.
"It's very difficult to play against them - when you think you have them pinned back, they can score on the counter-attack."
United will be without their injured £29.1million defender Rio Ferdinand for tomorrow's big game.
Hard-up Chelsea were forced to abandon their traditional big-spending this summer and will focus on blooding youth- team rookies.
Cudicini, 28, reckoned: "We didn't change a lot like other teams.
"That could be a good point as we know each other very well now.
"The manager doesn't have to spend a lot of time with new signings.
"I'm looking forward to the season. I'm sure we can achieve something and we want a trophy."
Chelsea beat bogey side Charlton 3-2 last weekend and rarely fail to rise for the major fixtures.
Cudicini added: "I have to prove I deserve the No1 shirt.
"So whether we play Bolton or Manchester United, every game is a cup final for me.
"I hope my team-mates feel the same."
CARLO CUDICINI has branded Manchester United a disgrace for the way they threw away their Premiership crown.
But the Chelsea keeper's outburst could spark a United backlash when the teams meet at Stamford Bridge tomorrow night.
The deposed champions lost seven of their 13 games in the two months before Christmas last season, which allowed Arsenal to claim the title.
And Italian stopper Cudicini insisted: "United had six or seven games where they were a disgrace and lost a lot of points. That's probably why they finished third.
"Arsenal kept the same fitness levels and the same way of playing for longest last season.
"They are unbelievable up front with their pace and skill - they can kill everybody with the strikers they have.
"It's very difficult to play against them - when you think you have them pinned back, they can score on the counter-attack."
United will be without their injured £29.1million defender Rio Ferdinand for tomorrow's big game.
Hard-up Chelsea were forced to abandon their traditional big-spending this summer and will focus on blooding youth- team rookies.
Cudicini, 28, reckoned: "We didn't change a lot like other teams.
"That could be a good point as we know each other very well now.
"The manager doesn't have to spend a lot of time with new signings.
"I'm looking forward to the season. I'm sure we can achieve something and we want a trophy."
Chelsea beat bogey side Charlton 3-2 last weekend and rarely fail to rise for the major fixtures.
Cudicini added: "I have to prove I deserve the No1 shirt.
"So whether we play Bolton or Manchester United, every game is a cup final for me.
"I hope my team-mates feel the same."