• Premier League

Sir Alex reveals pep talk that made Berbatov shine

ESPNsoccernet staff
October 12, 2010
Dimitar Berbatov has been hugely impressive so far this season © Getty Images
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Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed some credit for the early season form of striker Dimitar Berbatov after revealing he gave the Bulgarian a pep talk before the campaign kicked off.

After two seasons characterised by underachievement since his club record move to Old Trafford in 2008, Berbatov has hit the ground running in 2010-11, netting six goals in his first seven league matches.

And Ferguson believes that all the former Spurs and Bayer Leverkusen striker needed was an injection of confidence, something the United boss was happy to provide.

"I just had a word with him at the start of the campaign," Ferguson said. "I told him, 'Look, only you can solve this conundrum. You're the one in control here. You've got fantastic ability and you need to realise that ability and make the most of it. We'll be here to support you'.

"And he's started the season in terrific form for us. Dimitar has been, without doubt, our star forward. When you bring a player to Manchester United, not everybody takes to the situation straight away. Not all signings become hits overnight.

"(Antonio) Valencia did, of course, but he's almost an exception. Others take time, and Dimitar was a bit like that. It's just a fact. Nobody's ever doubted the ability of the lad, but what we're seeing now is a striker who's playing with belief and confidence.

"All strikers are massively reliant on those two factors - belief and confidence. And at the moment Berbatov has both."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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