Jussi Jääskeläinen compared two Manchester teams for Iltalehte.
The triple championship is a concept that has only been realized once in England.
In the spring of 1999, Manchester United was crowned the winner of both the Premier League, the English Cup and the Champions League.
It has been considered the best English team in history for a reason.
This spring, however, it has received a challenger from the other side of town. Manchester City are just a few games away from their own treble.
Today, it will face Real Madrid at home in the deciding part of the Champions League semi-final. In the coming weekend, it will probably already be crowned as the winner of the Premier League, and in the Cup final it is waiting for it – exactly Manchester United.
Iltalehti asked for someone who has played on British courts for a long time Jussi Jääskeläinä to compare the Manchester combination of two different eras.
Jässi was still playing in the old first division in Bolton in the spring of 1999, but faced the triple-United team several times in his 14-year Premier League career.
– United was sir Alex Ferguson led by the biggest team in the league that everyone wanted to win, Jääskeläinen starts.
Package change
Today, he closely follows the stages of modern City in his work as a futsal expert for Viaplay. Mikkeliäveskari first draws attention to his own playing place.
– Ederson’s strength is playing with his feet, but I would take it myself by Peter Schmeichel to my own team.
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Jussi Jääskeläinen played a long career in the Premier League. PDO
So the first place goes to 1999 United.
– You shouldn’t take anything away from the legendary United players. In those days, defenders’ job was to defend. They weren’t allowed to get up to the other side of the half court much.
United’s back lines were lute then Gary Nevillehard-boned Jaap Stama Norwegian couple Ronny Johnsen and Denis Irwin.
– Probably Kyle Walker would pass Neville on sheer speed. The left deck is a bit difficult. Of course Nathan Aké has played a great season.
– The choices would now be 50-50, Jääskeläinen leans towards Stam’s position.
The huge change in football can be seen precisely in the role of the fullbacks. Especially in City, the place of play is associated with a strong ball contribution.
– Pep (Guardiola) defends with a 4-4-2, but when attacking, he moves a defender into the midfield in a 3-2-5. John Stones has done a great job, and of course also João Cancelo did before he crossed paths with Pepi.
– Their task is also to prevent counterattacks.
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Manchester City are just four games away from a historic treble. PDO
Keane on the field
Midfield is the only area that, based on the names, leans towards 1999. Quartet David Beckham–Roy Keane–Paul Scholes–Ryan Giggs would be hard currency even in today’s futs.
– Yes, it’s a tough line. That’s why it’s hard to compare these eras. After all, the game was more physical back then, and Keane suited the team leader. An absolutely amazing player.
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Watch the video for a sample of City’s attacking play. The deciding matches of the Premier League and the English Cup can be seen on VSport’s channels and Elisa Viihde’s Viaplay service.
However, Jääskeläinen reminds that also İlkay Gündoğan has raised its level. The German is probably the most important link in the City palette at the moment.
– He has shown his value to the team. Rumor has it that he would be willing to sign a contract extension, which would be great news for Manchester City.
Keane’s fighting attitude is no longer seen on the field. A street brawler like him has completely disappeared from the top because of the tactical fine-tuning of the sport.
However, Jääskeläinen believes that Keane in his peak years could still find a place to play today.
– Absolutely. Keane has remained underrated because his personality was different. Premier League history knows no better box-to-box player than him.
Jässi worked together for a while by Teddy Sheringham with. The forward’s goals in both the FA Cup and Champions League finals pulled United closer to the treble.
– In his opinion Paul Gascoigne and Keane were the best players he had been on the pitch with. That says a lot. I believe that Keane would walk into Pepink’s team for sure.
– There is no longer the same kind of leadership as there was then.
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Roy Keane-like leadership is no longer seen on the football field. PDO
However, Keane and Scholes had to watch the spring 1999 Champions League final from the stands due to suspension. It is the quality of the substitutes that is starting to tip the balance for modern City.
– The scope of the team is better. That’s where they come from Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden from the bench. City’s material is amazing, and the clearest difference to United.
José’s Chelsea?
There is also a huge level difference in the attacking end. Erling Haaland has broken almost every possible record in his debut season at City.
– Looks like he’s from another planet. The most difficult thing in football is scoring a goal, but Haaland has succeeded in it more than 50 times in all competitions, Jääskeläinen repeats this season’s sensation.
– He would certainly be the first name in this team.
Tactical development is most clearly seen in managers. When Guardiola’s Barcelona humiliated Ferguson’s United in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals, it felt like the English were not even on the same page as the Catalans.
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Erling Haaland has broken almost every record in his debut season in England. PDO
Of course, that one Leo Messi’s starred Barça is widely accepted as the best team in the entire football history.
– Comparing Pepi to Fergie is a bit like comparing Messi and (Diego) Maradona’s between, Jääskeläinen emphasizes the difficulty of different eras.
So is the choice clear? United or City?
– Difficult question. Even if City wins the treble, it should not be forgotten José Mourinho’s Chelsea (2004–05), who only conceded 15 goals in a season, or unbeaten Arsenal (2003–04).
– City is definitely one of the best.
You can watch the Champions League semi-final between Manchester City and Real Madrid on the CMore Max channel at 21:00.