LONDON - Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson's impressive collection of titles could end with an Olympic gold medal if Sebastian Coe has his way.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates after winning the English Premier League folloowing his team's 2-0 win against Wigan in their English Premier League soccer match at The JJB Stadium, Wigan, England, Sunday May 11, 2008. Sebastian Coe, who is chairman of the 2012 organizing committee, would like to see Ferguson take charge of Britain's soccer team when London hosts the games. [Agencies] |
The two-time Olympic 1,500-meter champion, who is chairman of the 2012 organizing committee, would like to see Ferguson take charge of Britain's soccer team when London hosts the games.
"I would love to see Alex coach the team," Coe said Wednesday. "I can't think of anybody that frankly (more) deserves at the end of a stunning career to be in charge of young players here."
Ferguson has won 10 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, two Scottish leagues and two European titles during his hugely successful spells with Manchester United and Aberdeen.
Britain has not played soccer at the Olympics since 1956 because no such team exists. FIFA, soccer's world governing body, does not recognize Britain as a team, only its four separate associations, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. But they are not recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
That means they cannot enter the qualifying rounds for the Olympics. But because London stages the 2012 Games, however, the host does not need to qualify.
Ferguson, who would be 70 at the time of the 2012 Games, hasn't said whether he is interested.
"It's quite some time away. I hope I'm still alive then," he said when asked about it in March. "It's way in the future that one."
Coe believes he can persuade him.
"I've spoken to Alex," he said. "We know each other. We're good friends."
