Peter Schmeichel on VDS, Fergie, Keano and the Best Keeper In the World

Castolo · 28th August 2008, 15:21

Answering questions from fans on UEFA.com

Q: Hi Peter, Who is the best goalkeeper currently playing?

Currently, it's between Casillas, Cech, Van der Sar and Buffon. The legends for me were Peter Shilton and Sepp Maier.

Q: What is your view and comments about all the low ranked teams that have qualified for this seasons Champions league?

They have qualified on merit - it's not that the seeding system has changed to get them in there. If you are in the group phase, you are expected to play at a high quality. I have seen Aalborg play, and I am really surprised to see them in there. But they did the job against Kaunas and approached it in the right way. I've won it once and we came through qualification and I know how important those games are. For these lower-ranked teams, it gives the audience something to look at. We will see if their quality holds up.

Q: You had a brilliant career. But who was your mentor when you were younger and what advice do you give to young goalkeepers, including your son Kasper?

It wasn't really like that. We didn't have football through a school. We had volunteer coaches to begin with. It was very much those people and yourself, but it was not an organised system per se in Denmark. I eventually had a mentor later on in my career - but things have changed a lot since when I started playing. I am Kasper's mentor and that's it. I don't interfere in his goalkeeping. He sees me as a father rather than a coach. All he has from me is instinct - I have never really coached him as it puts a strain on things. When he asks, however, I will talk to him and provide advice from my experience. I see myself as a mentor not as a coach. I understand what has happened. I see the light at the end of the tunnel quicker than him - he's younger and impatient. I've seen a lot of this before - but he has to be patient and ready at the same time as that way you can hold on to it.

Q: Are you still hoping to get involved in some way with Brøndby or happy pursuing your television career?

No I am not hoping to get involved with anything unless there is an opportunity that is very difficult to turn down - at a club level. The Brøndby thing has run its course. I suggested a way forward and they chose otherwise and I accept that. What I do at the moment, I host the UEFA Champions League programme in Denmark, and I feel involved with football that way. I really like the TV world and I am pursuing more and different jobs on the TV side of things rather than directly in football.

Q: How well do you think Edwin van der Sar has done since beening at Man Utd?

Fantastic. I was recently in Manchester United and I met up with Edwin and Kasper. He has done extremely well for Man U. There have been many goalkeepers at the club in recent years but nobody has really stepped forward - but Edwin has shown when he plays, there is no issue. He has made a lot of players better. Take Rio Ferdinand. He's a better player because he trusts the goalkeeper behind him. Nothing is easy (and it is overused as a term), but a good team needs a good spine and then you can add the spice around that. Last season shows it. But I believe that the spine of the team starts with the goalkeeper - he provides the security that a team needs. That's how you develop a team. Edwin, the way he plays, he's ideal for the team. He's the exact keeper for United. When I first started, I could pick up the ball. But Edwin is a product of the new rules. His ability with his feet are second to none - players will pass the ball back to him knowing that he will control the ball and not make a mistake. When you compare him and me, I think we both provide the trust that the rest of the team needs. Different eras, though, and it's very hard to compare things.

Q: What is it liked to be managed by Sir Alex. Is he as fiery as people say he is, have you ever had the "hairdryer"?

I've been asked this many times. He's the best manager you can imagine. He gives you time, space and the opportunity to express yourself - but you have to prove yourself first. You need to show commitment. You're not there if you have no ability, that just doesn't happen at Man U. You have to deliver and then he will let you do your thing as long as it's within the framework of the team. I don't think there's ever been a manager like him. His temperament for example. When he loses his temper, it's due to his passion. That can hurt your feelings when it is directed at you - but for him, it's a question of saying it so it is said and then you move on. Once it's said, it's done. He doesn't repeat or go back to that point. The hairdrying doesn't really apply. I don't think any coach can get close to his abilities at least not in the foreseeable future.

Q: You were a great Goalkeeper and a superb sportsman. But was it football all the way or was there other sports you played when you were younger ??

It was football all the way, but our football team played handball during the winter and we enjoyed it. I played handball until 18. When I played we never played outside in winter, but now with artificial pitches now, the situation has changed. But there were never any other sports for me.

Q: How do you think your ex united teammates who are now managing are doing? and who would you rate the highest managerial wise of them.

Good question. It underlines how many of my former teammates are now managers at the highest level. They all came from the same time - Bruce, Hughes and Ince quickly followed by Keane - the first three were in the first team that won the Premiership and Roy came later. I'm also thinking Mike Phelan and Brian McClair in all of this. This is testimony to Sir Alex Ferguson and also these guys too, who achieved a lot on the pitch as well. All of these players were brought into United for a specific job - to win the Championship. They were pioneers in a way. It's slightly different now as the team is established. The four of them are competitors and wouldn't be in the job if they weren't. But they all have different approaches as managers. It will be interesting to see how they develop as managers over this season in the Premiership. It's hard to compare as they all have different resources. But they know results count and that comes first regardless of who it is against.

Q: Peter, I had the pleasure of watching you produce a masterclass in your second last match for Manchester City against Liverpool at Anfield in 2003. You were 39 then and were superb in that game: do you ever think now that you retired too soon?

I did not retire too soon. I had the chance to play for one more season, but if I am being honest, it was hard work every day and there was no enjoyment in training and I could not wait for the last game to be played. Then I was almost 40 and I think I was entitled. I think Anfield was the best place to finish with a great performance!

Dippersripper · 28th August 2008, 15:30

Good read

cw1984 · 28th August 2008, 15:32

I love him. Wish we could have him back at OT 20 years younger.

I have this picture

On my bedroom wall.

tippex · 28th August 2008, 15:39

I can't believe he actually answered my question woohoooooo.

Q: How do you think your ex united teammates who are now managing are doing? and who would you rate the highest managerial wise of them.

The Law of Denis · 28th August 2008, 15:42

Absolute legend, one of my favorite players and arguably more important than Eric.. Brilliant player.

I remember the King's first trip back to Leeds, the striker goes up for a header and the ball is going for the bottom corner. Peter who is in the middle of the goal, makes a brilliant reflex save down low and earns us a point.

Swerny · 28th August 2008, 15:49

Legend.

Feedingseagulls · 28th August 2008, 15:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by cw1984

I love him. Wish we could have him back at OT 20 years younger.

I have this picture

On my bedroom wall.

One of the greatest of all sports photos. (I think it was no. 3 in a Guardian/Observer historical survey?)

GazM · 29th August 2008, 03:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by cw1984

I love him. Wish we could have him back at OT 20 years younger.

I have this picture

On my bedroom wall.

Any high resolution versions? or posters I can buy?

Ace · 29th August 2008, 03:15

Schmeichel referred to us as 'Man U'

Mad · 29th August 2008, 04:39

Quote:

Q: Hi Peter, Who is the best goalkeeper currently playing?

I'd pay to hear how that sounded when the interviewer said it

Dippersripper · 29th August 2008, 05:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ace

Schmeichel referred to us as 'Man U'

no, the journalist does

Ramshock · 29th August 2008, 14:39

fucking Legend...end of!!

Raven_Blade · 29th August 2008, 15:01

He was the great dane. He will forever be remembered as a legend here.

ave fenix · 29th August 2008, 16:11

I can't believe he answered my question,yeahhhh.

Q: What is your view and comments about all the low ranked teams that have qualified for this seasons Champions league?

Liar.

101 · 29th August 2008, 16:33

Legend.

moonhead · 29th August 2008, 17:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by GazM

Any high resolution versions?

Well is there?

Striker10 · 29th August 2008, 18:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by ave fenix

I can't believe he answered my question,yeahhhh.

Q: What is your view and comments about all the low ranked teams that have qualified for this seasons Champions league?

Liar.

true. I asked that question too

RedKaos · 29th August 2008, 19:03

I loved him, but it kinda hurt seeing him put on a performance against us in a Shitty shirt

tintedsepia · 29th August 2008, 19:24

STill the best goalkeeper I've ever seen...

Derek Brown · 30th August 2008, 12:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raven_Blade

He was the great dane. He will forever be remembered as a legend here.

Seconded.

Name Changed · 30th August 2008, 12:19

Legend.

28th August 2008, 15:21	#1 (permalink)
Castolo Reserve Team Player Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1,177	Peter Schmeichel on VDS, Fergie, Keano and the Best Keeper In the World Answering questions from fans on UEFA.com Q: Hi Peter, Who is the best goalkeeper currently playing? Currently, it's between Casillas, Cech, Van der Sar and Buffon. The legends for me were Peter Shilton and Sepp Maier. Q: What is your view and comments about all the low ranked teams that have qualified for this seasons Champions league? They have qualified on merit - it's not that the seeding system has changed to get them in there. If you are in the group phase, you are expected to play at a high quality. I have seen Aalborg play, and I am really surprised to see them in there. But they did the job against Kaunas and approached it in the right way. I've won it once and we came through qualification and I know how important those games are. For these lower-ranked teams, it gives the audience something to look at. We will see if their quality holds up. Q: You had a brilliant career. But who was your mentor when you were younger and what advice do you give to young goalkeepers, including your son Kasper? It wasn't really like that. We didn't have football through a school. We had volunteer coaches to begin with. It was very much those people and yourself, but it was not an organised system per se in Denmark. I eventually had a mentor later on in my career - but things have changed a lot since when I started playing. I am Kasper's mentor and that's it. I don't interfere in his goalkeeping. He sees me as a father rather than a coach. All he has from me is instinct - I have never really coached him as it puts a strain on things. When he asks, however, I will talk to him and provide advice from my experience. I see myself as a mentor not as a coach. I understand what has happened. I see the light at the end of the tunnel quicker than him - he's younger and impatient. I've seen a lot of this before - but he has to be patient and ready at the same time as that way you can hold on to it. Q: Are you still hoping to get involved in some way with Brøndby or happy pursuing your television career? No I am not hoping to get involved with anything unless there is an opportunity that is very difficult to turn down - at a club level. The Brøndby thing has run its course. I suggested a way forward and they chose otherwise and I accept that. What I do at the moment, I host the UEFA Champions League programme in Denmark, and I feel involved with football that way. I really like the TV world and I am pursuing more and different jobs on the TV side of things rather than directly in football. Q: How well do you think Edwin van der Sar has done since beening at Man Utd? Fantastic. I was recently in Manchester United and I met up with Edwin and Kasper. He has done extremely well for Man U. There have been many goalkeepers at the club in recent years but nobody has really stepped forward - but Edwin has shown when he plays, there is no issue. He has made a lot of players better. Take Rio Ferdinand. He's a better player because he trusts the goalkeeper behind him. Nothing is easy (and it is overused as a term), but a good team needs a good spine and then you can add the spice around that. Last season shows it. But I believe that the spine of the team starts with the goalkeeper - he provides the security that a team needs. That's how you develop a team. Edwin, the way he plays, he's ideal for the team. He's the exact keeper for United. When I first started, I could pick up the ball. But Edwin is a product of the new rules. His ability with his feet are second to none - players will pass the ball back to him knowing that he will control the ball and not make a mistake. When you compare him and me, I think we both provide the trust that the rest of the team needs. Different eras, though, and it's very hard to compare things. Q: What is it liked to be managed by Sir Alex. Is he as fiery as people say he is, have you ever had the "hairdryer"? I've been asked this many times. He's the best manager you can imagine. He gives you time, space and the opportunity to express yourself - but you have to prove yourself first. You need to show commitment. You're not there if you have no ability, that just doesn't happen at Man U. You have to deliver and then he will let you do your thing as long as it's within the framework of the team. I don't think there's ever been a manager like him. His temperament for example. When he loses his temper, it's due to his passion. That can hurt your feelings when it is directed at you - but for him, it's a question of saying it so it is said and then you move on. Once it's said, it's done. He doesn't repeat or go back to that point. The hairdrying doesn't really apply. I don't think any coach can get close to his abilities at least not in the foreseeable future. Q: You were a great Goalkeeper and a superb sportsman. But was it football all the way or was there other sports you played when you were younger ?? It was football all the way, but our football team played handball during the winter and we enjoyed it. I played handball until 18. When I played we never played outside in winter, but now with artificial pitches now, the situation has changed. But there were never any other sports for me. Q: How do you think your ex united teammates who are now managing are doing? and who would you rate the highest managerial wise of them. Good question. It underlines how many of my former teammates are now managers at the highest level. They all came from the same time - Bruce, Hughes and Ince quickly followed by Keane - the first three were in the first team that won the Premiership and Roy came later. I'm also thinking Mike Phelan and Brian McClair in all of this. This is testimony to Sir Alex Ferguson and also these guys too, who achieved a lot on the pitch as well. All of these players were brought into United for a specific job - to win the Championship. They were pioneers in a way. It's slightly different now as the team is established. The four of them are competitors and wouldn't be in the job if they weren't. But they all have different approaches as managers. It will be interesting to see how they develop as managers over this season in the Premiership. It's hard to compare as they all have different resources. But they know results count and that comes first regardless of who it is against. Q: Peter, I had the pleasure of watching you produce a masterclass in your second last match for Manchester City against Liverpool at Anfield in 2003. You were 39 then and were superb in that game: do you ever think now that you retired too soon? I did not retire too soon. I had the chance to play for one more season, but if I am being honest, it was hard work every day and there was no enjoyment in training and I could not wait for the last game to be played. Then I was almost 40 and I think I was entitled. I think Anfield was the best place to finish with a great performance!

28th August 2008, 15:30	#2 (permalink)
Dippersripper Educating ignorant bastards about God to achieve a near-perfect world Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Reason is an excuse for faith. Faith is everything. Please don't take, My Fletcher, Away..... Posts: 10,228	Good read

28th August 2008, 15:32	#3 (permalink)
cw1984 Reserve Team Player Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: X-Box 360 gamertag = CW1984 Posts: 2,718	I love him. Wish we could have him back at OT 20 years younger. I have this picture On my bedroom wall.

28th August 2008, 15:39	#4 (permalink)
tippex Trainee Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Dublin Posts: 73	I can't believe he actually answered my question woohoooooo. Q: How do you think your ex united teammates who are now managing are doing? and who would you rate the highest managerial wise of them.

28th August 2008, 15:42	#5 (permalink)
The Law of Denis Reserve Team Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,507	Absolute legend, one of my favorite players and arguably more important than Eric.. Brilliant player. I remember the King's first trip back to Leeds, the striker goes up for a header and the ball is going for the bottom corner. Peter who is in the middle of the goal, makes a brilliant reflex save down low and earns us a point.

28th August 2008, 15:49	#6 (permalink)
Swerny Poster originally known MS MSP Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,837	Legend.

29th August 2008, 03:15	#9 (permalink)
Ace Reserve Team Player Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Da Silva Fever Posts: 1,887	Schmeichel referred to us as 'Man U'

29th August 2008, 14:39	#12 (permalink)
Ramshock poster of nonsense Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Stretford End for the Irish!! Posts: 3,031	fucking Legend...end of!!

29th August 2008, 15:01	#13 (permalink)
Raven_Blade Attention Whoring Common Crow Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: In Man Utd's Defence. Posts: 18,234	He was the great dane. He will forever be remembered as a legend here.

29th August 2008, 16:11	#14 (permalink)
ave fenix Reserve Team Player Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 19º 00' North of the Equator 70º 40' West of Greenwich. Posts: 963	I can't believe he answered my question,yeahhhh. Q: What is your view and comments about all the low ranked teams that have qualified for this seasons Champions league? Liar.

29th August 2008, 16:33	#15 (permalink)
101 Reserve Team Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Somewhere between a rock and a hard place. Posts: 3,277	Legend.

29th August 2008, 19:03	#18 (permalink)
RedKaos Reserve Team Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: South East Posts: 4,535	I loved him, but it kinda hurt seeing him put on a performance against us in a Shitty shirt

29th August 2008, 19:24	#19 (permalink)
tintedsepia Youth Team Player Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 215	STill the best goalkeeper I've ever seen...

30th August 2008, 12:19	#21 (permalink)
Name Changed weso26 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Dublin Posts: 5,526	Legend.