Emerson hails Sir Bobby

By Matthew Jones
August 6 2002

Sir Bobby Robson has been hailed as the greatest manager on the planet - by former Middlesbrough star Emerson.

Robson nurtured the Brazilian midfielder during their time together at Porto in the mid-90s.

And Emerson - who moved from Deportivo to Atletico Madrid last month - credits Robson with the form that has earned the 30-year-old several multi-million moves to some of Europe's biggest clubs.

"Robson is a genius in my eyes," said the player.
"He combines a brilliant tactical mind with a compassion and understanding of his players I have never known in anyone else.

"I viewed him almost as a father figure and I still do. He never lectures players, only advises them - he's hard but very, very fair.

"He taught me more about the game than any other coach I know and in my opinion, given his experience, he is the best in the world."