Robson Previews Europa League Final

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson has been speaking to MUTV ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Europa League final against Ajax.

The former Reds midfielder, who is in Stockholm ahead of the game, began by expressing his condolences following Monday's terror attack in Manchester.

Our minds today are on a big European final but our thoughts are also with all those in Manchester...
"Yes, definitely. It's hitting people all around the world but, when it's on your own doorstep, it's a really sad moment. People are tough, and unfortunately we have to deal with terrorism these days, but it's not acceptable and it's a pity that it goes on all over the world. My condolences go to all of the families that have lost their loved ones."

You know all about the character and strength of Manchester, having been a part of the city for so long...
"That's right, we went through it when the Arndale Centre was bombed [in 1996]. Fortunately, no-one was killed that time, but around Manchester everyone knows what it's all about. That still doesn't help the situation and what happened on Monday night, but it’s a city that is always united, no matter what."

We need strength of character in this final against Ajax as well, don't we? What's it like on a day like this?
"It's more or less about the mentality. You've got to go into this game with a strong mentality, a real confidence that you can win. If all the lads focus on that as individuals, then the manager brings them together as a team and you're halfway there in terms of giving yourself a chance to win the game. If your mentality is wrong, you fall flat on your face, so I'm sure the lads will be strong mentally. They know how important this game is for us; the Champions League is there, as well as winning a European trophy. They'll be up for it; we're just not quite sure how good this Ajax team is. They've got a lot of young players, so it's a bit of a question mark in terms of how good they'll be [on the night]. We had it with the Class of '92; we weren't quite sure how good they were going to be, and all of a sudden eight of them turned out to be world-class internationals. I just hope this Ajax side isn't like that, otherwise they'll give us a really good game tonight. With the experience we've got, if the mental approach and confidence is really good within the squad, I expect us to win."

Is it a particular challenge as a captain to help players in games like these?
"Yeah, I think sometimes some of the lads get nervous. I remember when we played Barcelona in 1991, Paul Ince was really nervous before the game, but as soon as it kicked off he had a great game. He was a part of the team and did really well. You will look around and see a few nervous players, but that's just natural - once the whistle goes, you get on with the game. Hopefully all of our lads can do that; we've got experienced lads who have been to finals before. Looking at the Celta Vigo game, I thought the lads handled the atmosphere and occasion really well; they put in a great performance to get through that semi-final. A performance like that tonight would help them lift the cup."

How important is that first touch in the game?
"That's the case in any game, not just the final. If your first few passes are good, it gives you confidence - you want to get on the ball, you want to play and enjoy the occasion. That's what the lads have got to do. Sometimes people get to a final and become a little bit afraid of it, but really you should be enjoying the occasion. If you do that you play a lot better than if you're nervous about it."