One-on-one with...Owen Hargreaves

Owen Hargreaves is well qualified to pass judgment on just about anything regarding the Manchester derby in the Barclays Premier League.

After all, the former England international has not only been involved in a derby between the two Manchester clubs but played for both United and rivals City.

In this exclusive interview with New Vision soccer writer Fred Kaweesi, the two-time Uefa Champion  League winner, whose promising career was hampered by a catalogue of injuries, opens up on his stints at both clubs, who he thinks will win and his best Barclays Premier League eleven in recent years.

Qn: You played for both clubs, what was the experience on both side?

Hargreaves: The two clubs are all about football and ambition and I enjoyed my career at both clubs. The two are great clubs although of course United is a global brand.

Qn: Do you think the current season is going to turn into a two-horse race between the two Manchester clubs?

Hargreaves: It’s possible. Chelsea have just changed their manager while Arsenal have so many issues at the moment. The two have fallen behind the two Manchester clubs, who are doing well so far.

Qn: How do both clubs and the players prepare for derbies like this?

Hargreaves: The two have their own way of preparing. A lot of things happen differently. For example there are different times of having meals before games, the diets are different etc. The players also prepare differently.

Qn: While at Manchester United, was there a moment when you experienced manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous hairdryer treatment?

Hargreaves: No. That never happened during my time at United. I never clashed with the manager at any one moment. I always knew that as a player, you are paid to perform and I always tried to do that.

Qn: Who do you think will win the derby and why?

Hargreaves: I think this derby will end in a draw. The two sides have good squads and are among the best in the league. I think it will be a draw.

Qn: You played in German and English leagues, how would you rate the Barclays Premier League?

Hargreaves: The Barclays Premier League is one of the best and most watched around the world. It’s the best in Europe.

Qn: Why does the English national team struggle in major international tournaments?

Hargreaves: The Barclays Premiership is the best league in the world but it has not been easy to develop players in the league. The Golden generation has now gone and there is a need to develop players for the national team.

Qn: What would you consider your best eleven in the Barclays Premier League now?

Hargreaves: Wow! In goal, I would go for Joe Hart. I would then consider Glen Johnson at right back and Ashley Cole at left back. Nemanja Vidic and Vincent Kompany would be my two central defenders. I would then play Yaya Toure ahead of them alongside Silva. Sergio Aguero and Antonio Valencia are top players that would do well in the wide areas. Then Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie would play up front.

Hargreaves spent 5 years in Manchester turning out for the bitter city rivals

Qn: What was your career highlight?

Hargreaves: I can’t single out one because there were a number. Breaking into the first team at Bayern Munich was among them and winning the Uefa Champions League with them too. Of course, playing for England was a great achievement for me as well.

Qn: Your career was blighted by injuries. Do you regret having achieved less than you might probably have?

Hargreaves: I have no regrets. I can’t say it was all bad. I am proud of what I managed to achieve in all the clubs I played for.

Qn: What are your future plans?

Hargreaves: There is nothing at the moment. I am looking at situations but will probably consider coaching.
 

Barclays is a global bank, with over 50 branches across Uganda. All customers of Barclays have the opportunity to win tickets to a Barclays Premier League match – flights and accommodation included – during the 2012-13 season. For more information, visit your local Barclays branch.