Zenit secured their place in the showpiece game by
virtue of their UEFA Cup triumph last season. But speaking ahead of
the clash, Advocaat believes Ferguson's Champions League winners
set the standard in world football.
He said: “He’s not just the top manager in Europe, he’s
top of the world. “You can’t work at that level and stay with one
club for so long if you do not have exceptional qualities, it is so
difficult. “So, for me, he is the best manager in the world and the
one everyone else has to look up to.
“I know Sir Alex but I haven’t played against him, so I
am looking forward to the game which I know will be very
difficult.” Advocaat will be able to call on unsettled Andrei
Arshavin, who has been linked with move to Tottenham. But despite
being the key man in last season's success, the Russian forward may
not feature on Friday night.
Advocaat added: “He is with us but I will see tomorrow
if he plays or not, I have not yet made up my mind.”