Ferguson also admitted that he did not show Chelsea’s 7-2 win over Sunderland to his players.
“Reading went to Liverpool at the right time,” he said. “They went to Anfield and won, and deservedly so, and a game like Leeds and Manchester United takes care of itself. It was a massive game and United were poor on the day.
“They are the sort of examples we need to look at. You have to use them and hope we can create another shock. You do get years like that in the FA Cup.
“Chelsea cannot play well every game and there have been occasions this season when we have seen that.”
“I was just getting in my car [after the 4-2 defeat at Bristol City] and the result came through,” he added. “It did not have an effect on me at all until Monday morning, when we were looking at certain things. You can over-analyse games, though, and leave the room trembling.
“It is Chelsea. They are one of the best teams in Europe. Whether it was 7-2 or they had drawn their last game, they would still have been one of the best teams in Europe. It just so happens that the week before they play us they played Sunderland off the pitch. I do not think that should make a difference about what we have ahead.”
“I can watch [their 7-2 win],” he added.
“But I think it is a bit worthless showing the players. We make them aware of Chelsea’s strengths, but we have DVDs which show where we can hurt them, too.”
