Experienced boss turned down Olympics job
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he was offered the job to manager Great Britain’s football team at next year’s Olympics, however he rejected the opportunity due to his commitment to Manchester United.
The Scotsman revealed that he was approached by the London 2012 games’ chief Sebastian Coe over the role, which has now been handed to Stuart Pearce.
But the Old Trafford chief insisted that he was unable to take the job as he is committed to his responsibilities at United, and believes it would prevent him from taking the helm of the GB side, as the tournament is just a week before the start of the 2012-2013 campaign.
The Scotsman told the Sunday Mirror: “I told Seb that if I wasn’t managing at the time I might consider it. But I am managing. I’m busy here at Manchester United. ”
It is no secret of the vastly experienced managers commitment to the Red Devils as the 69-year-old rapidly approaches his 25th anniversary with the club.
Meanwhile Fergie also revealed that he is eager for his British stars to snub a call-up to the GB squad as he feels that following the end of the season and the closely before tournament Euro 2012, the players will need a rest to avoid suffering from burn-out.
Fergie warned Olympic organisers: “Players need their rest, they need their pre-season training.
“They need their recovery and recuperation from small injuries that they get throughout the season.
“The intensity of the English game is second to none. It is an exhausting, exacting season.
“I don’t see how they can possibly get the players up to raise the bar after the season they have had in our game.”
