He says of Ferguson's recent attack of sour grapes:
"I don't know what he means by 'overconfident'. I tell my players to be confident in their ability. That doesn't mean they're arrogant or flashy. I don't think you can accuse them of that. I have confidence in them because I know their ability, their spirit and their determination to win it again.
"I don't know what he means by 'overconfident'. I tell my players to be confident in their ability. That doesn't mean they're arrogant or flashy. I don't think you can accuse them of that. I have confidence in them because I know their ability, their spirit and their determination to win it again.
"There's a long way still to go but we believe we can do it again. I'm confident and so are my players. I'd rather be in our position than anyone else's at the moment."
And on the subject of his team selection for tomorrow's 6th. round F.A. Cup tie at Highbury, which is expected NOT to include either Dennis Bergkamp or Thierry Henry, he has this to say:
"I have a team in mind that will give us a good chance of progressing. People seem to think that I have a team I select just for FA Cup matches, but I pick a team that I think will do the job well. Last week, for instance, I made six changes to the team for a Premiership game against Charlton."
No doubt he has one eye on next weeks crucial game against Roma at Highbury.