Robson hits back at UEFA Cup Critics

By Matthew Jones
May 16 2003

After rating his UEFA Cup victory with Ipswich Town back in 1981 as one of his greatest managerial achievements, Newcastle Boss Sir Bobby Robson has hit back at any critics of the competition.

After rating his UEFA Cup victory with Ipswich Town back in 1981 as one of his greatest managerial achievements, Newcastle Boss Sir Bobby Robson has hit back at any critics of the competition.

He said: "Nobody was prouder than me when we did that. We beat some good teams.

"Of course, it's very prestigious. It's the second trophy in Europe and it's very difficult to win.

"I say to anyone, `you try winning the UEFA Cup, you try winning it and see how hard it is.'

"In terms of the result, I'm not speculating. It's a one-off game. It's what happens on the day.

"I've seen Celtic a few times on TV and they have done very well to get to the final. They had a lot of trouble knocking out Boavista, which is the other team in Oporto.

"FC Porto, the big club I managed, have a better team, so I think Celtic will have a big job on their hands."