Peter Schmeichel, with a refreshing lack of false modesty, acknowledges his innate talent right from the start. His illustrious career, highlighted by a Champions League victory, five Premier League titles, and three FA Cups with Manchester United, not to mention Denmark’s remarkable 1992 European Championship win, lends weight to his confident pronouncements. Schmeichel speaks with the same unwavering conviction that defined his goalkeeping prowess.
In a revealing and surprisingly poignant conversation, Schmeichel delves into the intricate tapestry of his family history and the multifaceted nature of his personality. He reflects on his journey from a world-class goalkeeper to a more introspective 61-year-old man.
Schmeichel review – a spirited celebration of Man United’s great Dane
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“Many are born with talent, yet not all reach their desired destination,” Peter Schmeichel muses. “But whenever I needed the right influence, that person appeared, guiding me to the next stage.”
A captivating new documentary film, “Schmeichel“, chronicles his life, showcasing archival footage that reveals his long-held belief of being “superior” on the football pitch. What sparked this unwavering self-assurance in his youth, this fierce determination to be “a hero” in every match?
Schmeichel pauses, momentarily uncertain. “I’m not sure. It’s a compelling question I’ve often pondered. What shaped me this way? This feeling of superiority extended into my professional career. I felt I could anticipate the game.
“Even after extensive self-reflection, definitive answers remain elusive. Understanding my origins offers some clarity. I see echoes of my mother in my character, and equally, traits from my father. My environment also played a significant role.”
The documentary subtly hints at a profound tragedy in his father, Tolek’s, childhood in Poland. Tolek’s father perished on the first day of World War II, and his mother was soon deported to a concentration camp, never to be seen again by Tolek. The sheer devastation prompts deeper questions about his grandparents and his father, Tolek, who became a double agent to escape Poland.
“My father was not forthcoming with details,” Schmeichel admits, “but a pivotal moment occurred during a trip to Berlin. As we walked, he began recounting his life, his journey from Warsaw, through Berlin, to Denmark. He confessed, ‘I felt constantly watched, living in fear. As I walked through Berlin, they started building the Wall.’
“He revealed so much on that walk, the only time he ever spoke of it. In his later years, requests to record interviews or document his story were met with a firm refusal. It remained a closed chapter.”
Did his father ever speak about his mother’s fate in the concentration camp? “That remained unspoken until the day he finally learned the truth. My father yearned to reconnect with Poland. On one trip, by chance, in a bakery, someone recognized him. This man revealed he was in the same concentration camp as Tolek’s mother. He described her as a hero, caring for others, even confronting guards for more food. Tragically, she succumbed to illness and died in the camp.”
A complex mix of emotions crosses Schmeichel’s face. “This revelation was impactful for my father, arriving when he was in his sixties. It also helps me understand my own resilience, that ‘strength’ that comes to mind. Why am I so strong?”
Despite Schmeichel’s professional triumphs, his father battled alcoholism and anger for years. “My father, a musician, worked nights. I was awake during the day while he slept. Looking back, I understand the pressures he faced, how work impacted his mood. He wasn’t constantly angry, but he instilled a belief in striving for absolute excellence. I inherited that drive, though my aggression, while present on the pitch, never matched his.”
Schmeichel clarifies his commanding presence in goal. “Much of it was deliberate. In the media, it might be termed ‘mind games,’ but I wanted opponents to fear me, or at least be acutely aware of my presence.”
He recognizes “that strength in my family. My mother, a cancer ward nurse, was incredibly strong, and my father, despite his struggles, possessed a different kind of strength, deeply rooted in emotion.”
Emotion ran deep in Schmeichel, yet he maintained control. He recalls pre-match nerves only once – before his Brøndby debut in a 1987 European Cup quarter-final. “I was so nervous I could barely walk,” he recounts, approaching the pitch in Porto. Prior to this, he was a semi-professional, juggling football with jobs like fitting carpets and working in a supermarket. “Halfway through the tunnel, I stopped. It was like one part of me wanted to freeze, but the other part turned and faced me, saying: ‘You’ve dreamt of moments like this your entire life. Why are you nervous?’ From that moment, I decided to banish nerves forever.”
His daughter, Cecilie, recalls a father who rarely displayed emotion during her and her brother Kasper’s childhood, except for occasional bursts of anger. “Absolutely,” he agrees, “but times were different, and consider who I played for. Alex Ferguson demanded unwavering strength, ultimate commitment, consistently top-level performances. Emotional displays might have been perceived as weakness.”
“However, with hindsight and maturity, I now realize that Ferguson was receptive to personal issues. He valued me as a player, I was a fit for his team, and he consistently supported me. A prime example: at the start of the [1998-99] treble season, I returned directly from the World Cup, with just a ten-day break after a year of continuous play. Mistakes crept in, notably a significant one against Sheffield Wednesday, sparking media scrutiny.
“Still in the Champions League group stage, I approached his office, saying, ‘Mentally, I’m exhausted. I need a break.’ Fergie, without looking up, simply stated, ‘We’ll fix it.’ He reviewed the schedule and declared, ‘Okay, you’re rested for those games. Take ten days off.’ Leaving his office, I felt rejuvenated. From that point, everything clicked, and we achieved the treble. I consider him the greatest football manager ever. For me, he was perfect.”
Their relationship wasn’t without friction. An infamous argument followed a 3-3 draw at Anfield in 1994, described by Gary Neville as the most “ferocious” clash he’d ever witnessed between two “madmen.” Schmeichel dismisses it with a shrug: “Just adrenaline and stupidity.”
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Ferguson recounts in the documentary how he informed Schmeichel on Monday morning of his impending sale. Schmeichel agreed, and Ferguson suggests he only reversed his decision after hearing the keeper’s fiery apology to his teammates.
“That’s his version,” Schmeichel says with a grin. “I doubt he would have sacked me. Not to brag, but he needed to make a strong statement. I was still furious and offered an apology to my teammates, nothing more.”
Despite regretting his departure from United while still capable, the move provided a unique final chapter. Schmeichel’s last game for the club was captaining the team in the 1999 Champions League final, culminating in their dramatic comeback victory against Bayern Munich with two late goals. The keeper is brimming with anecdotes about United, particularly about Eric Cantona, his roommate on countless trips.
“It was amusing because Cantona avoided all media. They assumed he couldn’t speak English. Sharing a room with him, we laughed about it. I’d say, ‘How do you get away with this?’ I admire Cantona. He cultivated this persona, and undoubtedly, it’s part of him. But he’s also a genuinely normal, pleasant person, easy to talk to about anything.”
Did Schmeichel forge a similar bond with the equally combustible Roy Keane? “Less so. Roy didn’t socialize much with other players, but years later, I was in a large hotel in St Pancras. Entering the breakfast room, I found only Roy. We shook hands, and he said, ‘Sit down.’ We had a delightful breakfast conversation. It was strange it took so long. But we were both driven individuals, and he’s very different now.”
How does Schmeichel react to the current Manchester United predicament? “Of course, it’s painful. Year after year, we’ve declined slightly. Numerous managers have come and gone, but leadership from above has been lacking. I felt particularly sorry for Ole [Gunnar Solskjær]. He could have had a longer tenure with proper support from upstairs, which he didn’t receive.
“But I’m very impressed with Ruben [Amorim]. For the first time in a while, I’m confident we have the right person. He’s decisive, his communication is excellent, and he’s courageous. He addresses every question directly and projects strong leadership, which is precisely what we need.”
Does he worry about Amorim’s rigid adherence to a 3-4-3 formation that might not suit the current squad? “He’s committed to his system. However, the real challenge lies in the expensive squad and numerous players on high wages. Reshaping the squad is now incredibly difficult.
“It’s reminiscent of the late 80s when Sir Alex arrived with a clear vision. Key board members like Maurice Watkins and Martin Edwards assured me his position was never in jeopardy because they understood his plan and its trajectory. I hope the club views Amorim similarly.”
The systemic issues at United are rooted in the Glazers’ ownership, but Schmeichel notably avoids criticizing Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who also runs a struggling football club. “I prefer not to comment positively or negatively at this stage. It’s crucial to allow them time, as the club has been dysfunctional for years.”
The Schmeichel of today is far more affable than the abrasive keeper of Manchester United lore. His daughter remarks on her appreciation for this evolved version of her father. Does he share that sentiment? He smiles. “Absolutely. Youthful ambition doesn’t always make you the most appealing person. I tended to dictate, not listen.
“Not that I was a bad father, but it’s different now. I speak to my children almost daily. I’m far more relaxed, and my ambitions are now centered on them. Their well-being is paramount. I want them to feel confident, to have fulfilling careers and family lives. My role is to support them.”
Schmeichel is available to watch at home from Friday. For further info visit www.schmeichel.film
