Press conference and other interviews thread

[IRN-BRUno]

Everton press conference:

Ten Hag on team news

"That's the good news, they [Rashford and Evans] recovered after the derby, so they are available, the rest is the same squad apart from Omari Forson. He dropped out, he has an injury."

Ten Hag gives an update on Mount

"Mason Mount I think he is in a good spell now and he will return shortly, I think after the international break. For next week, some players are planning to return, hopefully when the process will continue like it is now, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka I expect them to be available for our game against Liverpool. Hojlund as well."

Ten Hag on his second season

"We want to be successful, we need to be successful, sometimes seasons are going like we are now in but we don't accept that, we will fight, we have problems and have had problems with the squad injury wise but with the players available we will fight, it doesn't matter who is the opposition, we go for the win."

Is the priority the FA Cup or Premier League?

"The project is going in the right direction when we have the players available. Top football is about winning games, we're working, keep working on better performances, we want to play on maximum levels and when the players are available, good players, in key positions you miss players who have a very high impact on the way we want to play."

Have you underachieved or overachieved?

"No team can deal with so many injuries, I think we played to maximum levels if you take in respect the availability of the players, we missed so many key players over the part of the season, the performances we have seen when the players are available in January and February the performances are very good. When the players were not even fit they could do even better."

Ten Hag on Hojlund absence

"I have to do it, we have to do it with the players available. I will never complain about that. We have to get the best out of it, that is our aim."

Ten Hag on injuries again

"It tells that we are in the right direction. So imagine we had many more players available and not setbacks and injuries, could easy have 75 wins and that tells the bright future of this team. When you compare it with other managers, other teams, or previous managers in this big club you can see there is a bright future. It is a good balance in ages in this squad. Young players, middle aged players, imagine when they are available, could easily have won from 100 games 75. It is a big difference with the stats you mentioned."

 

[IRN-BRUno]

Liverpool press conference:

Trio set to return on Sunday

"We had a good week. The players you mention (Hojlund, Maguire and Wan-Bissaka) returned on the pitch, partly at the start of the week and today they had a session and are all training. I think [they will be fit to play]. Tomorrow we have one session. We have to see how they recover from this but it looks good."

More positive injury news

"Tom Heaton is back as well, also very good. Mason Mount trained all week with us, he had some full sessions with us, so it's looking good."

Response issued to PSG and Rashford rumours

"We did not sign him last season for four years with the intention to sell him now."

Relishing taking on Liverpool

"Some games are bigger than others. United vs Liverpool is always a big game, especially in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. We are looking forward [to it].|"

Needing the fans to turn up the volume

"They are very eager for us to win this. There are more Liverpool fans [bigger away allocation than normal], so we need them to be really loud."

Need to be at their best

"If you want to win, which we do, [you have to be good]. We need our best to beat them."

On Liverpool

"They are very consistent. They play good football, have very good performances and get very good results."

Are United or Liverpool favourites?

"It is a difficult one. I never think about this. It starts on zero. We are ready and I don't think about the opposition. I respect them, as I do every opposition. We know where their strengths are and where their weaknesses are."

Is Sunday a chance to build some momentum?

"On Sunday we have another good opportunity to get the momentum. I think the players, the team, have shown lately since January onwards we have had a lot of good games with a lot of wins. We feel the momentum. I think they have that belief, good confidence and good spirit."

 

[Sassy Colin]

Embargoed section:

 

[Sassy Colin]

 

[Sassy Colin]

https://youtube.com/shorts/fH6XeS5m7Iw?si=iVYwA7W2tBoN52i4

 

[IRN-BRUno]

Brentford press conference:

Ten Hag on Martinez

"Yes, there is a chance [back in squad]. We have missed him every game because he brings a composure in the team, a calmness in the team. At the same time, a winning attitude and he can express this very clearly. He can transfer that into the team and that contributes a lot to our levels."

Ten Hag on other team news

"There are players returning, they are back on the pitch they are back in team training. We have one more training now. But it is most likely that we have some players back in the squad."

Ten Hag on Shaw

"Yes, I expect him back before the end of the season, he is still on schedule and will return to our team."

Ten Hag on mood during the break

"It was a wonderful break. It is always good to go with a win into an international break, definitely with such a win. Players go on international duties, are in other teams, playing styles, systems, now they return and we have to get back where we were. Get them back in our way of play, get them back in our team. Yesterday we started this process, it's a short slot but we will be ready tomorrow.”

Ten Hag on Mainoo

"I thought it was very good [display for England] but we are not surprised. We know what he is capable of, he can very quickly adapt to high levels. It looks very natural and we are very happy for him."

Ten Hag is proud of Mainoo

“Of course, we are also very [proud], it's great for the academy of Manchester United to bring up a player so young going into the national team, it's a big compliment for the whole club. For himself because he did it but also all the ones who worked with him during his time in the academy, it's very good news for Manchester United. Yes but we have discussed this before. So far, he handles it very well and if he crosses the line, of course, I as a manager, we as coaches, will interfere."

Mainoo continued

“But so far it is not necessary because he wants to play football, he wants to win, he wants to give his best every day because he wants to improve, he just wants to have fun on the pitch. Fun for him is to play dominant, to dictate the game and win the game.”

 

[Sassy Colin]

Embargoed section:

 

[IRN-BRUno]

Chelsea press conference:

Any other injuries?

"No more issues, we don't need. On the frontline and midfield we are okay and we have options there but in the backline we have a lack of options but the good thing is back in training this afternoon is Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans. Yesterday Harry Maguire was back in training."

Why so many muscular injuries?

"We have an idea but we will work on it. Internally, we will deal with it."

Want to share that idea?

"No."

Ten Hag on Brentford result

"I am long enough in football to know and some of you should also understand why such things happen. Sometimes you are not playing good but we are Manchester United, you have to win and you cannot give it away like we did, that was the biggest disappointment for me. We keep going."

Ten Hag on handling the players

"It depends on the situation you are in as a team, also how the players see it, how they express it on the pitch, then you take a strategy, how to handle this."

Ten Hag on injuries again

"You can't prevent, it's not only us who've had this, the standards of the Premier League from an intensity perspective are so high, the overload of the schedule, international football is so huge, we have internationals in our squad. City, Liverpool and Newcastle have problems, many other teams. In this moment, especially the defensive department but the midfield and frontline the players are available."

Has the schedule forced changes?

"We don't train because we recover then you go up to the next game."

Will Mount start against Chelsea?

"He's a fantastic football player but it's important first that he is getting and keeping fit because he has had three injuries. Like with Licha, another injury, you want to avoid and we have to do this carefully. The first objective is to keep him fit. Then he can benefit and contribute to the team like he did on Saturday when he had a big impact."

Ten Hag on Chelsea

"It's a tough competition, it's very tight and also a lot about which players are available and not. When you are on the right side of the line you can have a successful season but when on the wrong side you can have a much more difficult season. For the rest they have a fantastic team, fantastic players and play very good football, they can beat anyone and have shown in this league."

 

[Glorio]

When he says the trend has been good since January (I notice that's not in the quotes above), that really worries me. It comes across like he's happy hiding behind results regardless of performances. If Brentford hadn't equalised, I suppose we'd chalk that up to the good trend too

 

[miliebrowndivorceattorney]

When he says the trend has been good since January (I notice that's not in the quotes above), that really worries me. It comes across like he's happy hiding behind results regardless of performances. If Brentford hadn't equalised, I suppose we'd chalk that up to the good trend too

..as a result, as part of catching Spurs and Villa..how would a win not be chalked up as a good trend resultswise? Some people just don't want to see United win it seems.

 

[FrankDrebin]

I think fans want to watch United finally perform and show everyone that we're finally heading in the right direction on the pitch.
We've been bereft of a consistent, rounded performance from this club for what seems like a eternity this season.

Wins are great obviously but, Christ, I love to see a actual impressive showing.

 

[P-Nut]

I think fans want to watch United finally perform and show everyone that we're finally heading in the right direction on the pitch.
We've been bereft of a consistent, rounded performance from this club for what seems like a eternity this season.

Wins are great obviously but, Christ, I love to see a actual impressive showing.

Yeah this is what I see as everyone's main issue this season, the team has looked crap from the first game of the season until now.

I think our best perfomance was against Palace in the cup when they looked like they didn't even want to be there.

 

[Glorio]

..as a result, as part of catching Spurs and Villa..how would a win not be chalked up as a good trend resultswise? Some people just don't want to see United win it seems.

I'm not talking about results. He wasn't specifically talking about results either. Are we playing well in your opinion? Has there been an upward trend in performances?

 

[Sassy Colin]

Embargoed section:

 

[Sassy Colin]

Bryan Robson interview:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/footbal...terview-cantona-jude-bellingham-join-man-utd/

 

[IRN-BRUno]

Bournemouth press conference:

Ten Hag on McTominay and Rashford fitness

"Scott: I don't think so. We have training, so we have a day, he will push, he is so keen to be a part of it tomorrow, so it's very questionable. And then Rashford: Rashy trained yesterday, so how he recovered from it today, we have another training today and then we will make a decision on it."

Ten Hag on the back four

"It's very difficult [to keep changing back four]. So everyone who has a little (emphasises little with hand gesture) bit of knowledge about football - a little - they know it will affect your results and performances. Back four is always the foundation to get results. We didn't have that. But we still have to win, we know that, so then others have to take responsibility but when you oversee then you know it has a negative impact."

West Ham interest in Maguire

"You have to see it in that perspective. We were always happy with Harry Maguire but he wants to play. He's a great leader, he's a very good defender, very comfortable on the ball. When I count all of those abilities, just now when we are on our defending line we have our problems, he is even more important to lead that line, to make us play from the back. So we are very pleased he is there and we need him to get our results and achieve our targets."

Ten Hag on Bournemouth's win at Old Trafford

"It was after a very good performance against Chelsea in the week. We were mentally not ready for that [Bournemouth 3-0 in December] game. They battled us and we lost the battles. Tomorrow will not be different, that is the way they want to play. They want to fight with you. So you go into that fight, have the conviction, the belief and you need to support each other to win battles, to outplay them, outrun them and defending to match the runs."

Ten Hag on Murtough's departure

"You mention something there for the new season, I think it's very important that the new ownership is working on this, they have to replace his function to go into a new season. For the moment, of course, I miss his support, the surround support, you miss that. But he moved on, he has made choices. We worked very good together. I say thank you to John and wish him all the best for the future."

Will Murtough's exit have an impact on you?

"No [it won't affect plans]. For me, as I said previously, I work with the new ownership very good, closely together. It will not change, it doesn't have an impact on the way I can work here. The conditions were perfect, they are still perfect. I am happy with that but we want to set the right conditions to be successful."

 

[Sassy Colin]

Embargoed section:

 

[E-mal]

I still don’t get how we are so open and easy to play against, surely a manager worth his money can identify this as a problem and fix it by now.
You want to support this manager but then see how we play and find it difficult to continue to support him

 

[Sassy Colin]

I still don’t get how we are so open and easy to play against, surely a manager worth his money can identify this as a problem and fix it by now.
You want to support this manager but then see how we play and find it difficult to continue to support him

This is how Ten Hag plays, it was the same at Ajax. Hopefully, if can get the right personnel, it may finally start to click and we'll be unbeatable!

 

[E-mal]

This is how Ten Hag plays, it was the same at Ajax. Hopefully, if can get the right personnel, it may finally start to click and we'll be unbeatable!

Cant build a winning team playing like that. That style of football belongs to the 90's. May be he played like that at Ajax but they where so much better than the rest and no good teams to punish them for being open. Cant play like that in the EPL.

His football is so naive

 

[Sassy Colin]

Post match press conference, Ezzer walks out:

 

[IRN-BRUno]

Coventry press conference:

Ten Hag expects McTominay and Antony to return

"Antony and Scott [McTominay], I expect them to be back. We have some problems, Harry [Maguire] struggled with a small injury against Bournemouth. He didn’t train this week so far but he’s now back on the pitch and I think he’ll be available for Sunday."

Ten Hag says Garnacho has apologised for 'liking' social media posts

"Alejandro is a young player. Has to learn a lot. He has apologised for it and we move on."

Ten Hag understands ongoing frustrations

"Yes, of course we want to win every game so when we don't win we are disappointed. We are frustrated but we know also we can beat the best teams. We drew twice against Liverpool, we beat them in the FA Cup, we played very good against Chelsea. When we play to our levels we can achieve really high highs. Last season was last season. We want to achieve every season, we want to win trophies, we have a big opportunity. We are in a semi-final but it's a huge challenge."

Ten Hag reacts to Sancho's Champions League display for Dortmund

"We know he is a fantastic player. That is not a surprise. That is not the issue."

Ten Hag: 'Scrapping FA Cup replays inevitable'

"It's very sad for the British football culture but it is also inevitable. It's due to the overload in the schedule, that's dictated by FIFA and UEFA."

 

[Sassy Colin]

 

[Sassy Colin]

Embargoed section

 

[Sassy Colin]

Not sure what to make of this

 

[bludsucker]

Not sure what to make of this

Delusional is what he is. If he is proud of us winning against coventry on penalties then he needs to fired for being high on the job. That was embarrassing.

 

[IRN-BRUno]

Sheffield United press conference:

Ten Hag describes Coventry criticism as a 'disgrace'

"No. Absolutely not. You made enough and one the question: "is it embarrassing? No, the reaction from you was embarrassing. It is the comments. Top football is about results, we made it to a final and we deserved it not only by this game but also the other games. We lost control for 20 mins, we also had bad luck, 3-2, 3-3. We were very lucky in the end, clear. Penalties was very good and we made it to the final, it is a huge achievement. Twice, in two years- is magnificent. For me as a manager, four cup final in four years. The comments are a disgrace."

Ten Hag shares more bad injury news

"We had a problem with Alejandro Garnacho, that's why we took him off during the game but I think he will be fine. Scott McTominay we have to assess today, really doubtful. Marcus Rashford is also doubtful and there was also an issue with Bruno Fernandes with the hand but I think he can make it. We have some doubts going into the game tomorrow."

Ten Hag addresses European hopes

"Yes, but we have to win every game. That's what United stands for, that is our approach, go from game to game but we have to qualify for Europe and we have two opportunities in the league and the FA Cup final."

Ten Hag responds to Antony's post-match antics vs Coventry

"Did you see the reaction of Harry Maguire? He was provoked, that's why this was a reaction of that, you haven't seen the provocation, only the reaction. But he should not do it. I have seen Harry Maguire straight after and others, we should acknowledge the performance of Coventry coming to that final and the comeback we are 70 mins totally dominating the game by far and 3-0 must have been the game is closed but the return from their side was very good."

Ten Hag addresses Wilcox's arrival

"Very close, we have to form a partnership, very impressed, we are a little behind in the process so we will go and speed up the process. I met him yesterday for the first time, this week we will not have so much time and I know his profile, a lot of experience in youth and one year at Southampton, I am looking forward to our partnership."

Ten Hag addresses United's lack of focus

"I know that, so first of all, the most important thing we can do to put ourselves in a winning position is by good structure and we have seen that on many occasions, we have seen by the first goal and other games but bring the game over the line, some things have to do with mentality, physics, we don't have the tools as well. We have a back-four and have to make compromises and be really creative but we can't sub players there as well, what you need is a full squad and you can take your messages from the side, repair things, it's a matter of mentality and some game reading and an opposition takes more risk, we have to improve it, need a full squad to repair that."

Ten Hag insists officials deserve respect amid Nottingham Forest saga

"You can't do that. You can agree, you can disagree. The handball for [Aaron] Wan-Bissaka is totally wrong, a mistake but you can't question it. So it's not good for the game and the refereeing we should respect them and there is no respect."

 

[IRN-BRUno]

Burnley press conference:

Ten Hag on Rashford

"I've a lot of sympathy for Rashy, of course. Last year, he had a brilliant season. I think the best season in his career, he scored 30 goals. This season, he didn't give the performances and people have been very criticial. We have to back him and everyone should back him to get back to the levels of last year."

Rashford continued

"I think he needs the support. We all know what he's capable of, we all have to support and push him. He can do better than this year. We saw last year when he was really brilliant."

Ten Hag on United fans

"I think the fans are behind us always. We are entering Old Trafford, I heard the reception. Wednesday was louder than I have heard. Also away: always supportive, backing the team and there is a very good connection between the team and the fans."

Ten Hag on team news

"So same squad but apart from Mason Mount. He will return into the squad."

Ten Hag on Shaw, Martinez and Martial

"Yes, I think we will see them [Shaw, Martinez and Martial] all in the season. They all returned onto the pitch. Next week, they have to make the step into team training and they can be available for the last weeks. They progress well."

 

[Sassy Colin]

No new injuries?

 

[FrankDrebin]

Fit squad for the final?

 

[always_hoping]

Shaw, Martinez,Varane and Martial back for the Newcastle game (6th placed decider probably) and the FA Cup final will be a boost.

 

[IRN-BRUno]

Crystal Palace press conference:

Ten Hag gives injury update

"Scott didn't train so far this week but I expect him back in training on Saturday and we have to see if he's 100% available or for a part of the game. After the game (vs Burnley), we had an issue with Bruno. He is a doubt for Monday, we all know Bruno, never rule him out for any game. He will do his best to be available. Jonny Evans returned today for team training. Tomorrow we are off and then two days until the game. Martial was partly in team training."

Ten Hag on Sancho

"So let's say this: yesterday he played very good and he's a very good player, yesterday he showed why Manchester United bought him and he showed he represents a high value for Manchester United. Which is good. I'm happy for Jadon, for the performance yesterday and we'll see what is going to happen in the future."

Ten Hag on Wilcox

I didn't say I had a chance. We talk every day from now, from last week. In a very short period we have to build an intense relationship, we are working now to a plan, we had a plan already before he stepped in and of course we have to get aligned. It takes time but we don't have so much time."

Ten Hag on the challenges he faces

"Always a lot of work, it sounds a little bit like, it's normal. But when you go into a transfer window but the injuries had a big impact. We know also we are still below the levels from the expectations Manchester United has so we have to catch up and I'm now going into my fifth window, two windows quite okay, two we missed, we have to make new improvements to the squad. But there is a base of this squad that is very good."

Ten Hag on top six/seven

"Of course, it's important but we have two opportunities. One in the league and one in the FA Cup final."

Ten Hag on Europa League

"Definitely it will have an impact on the budget but I'm sure Manchester United is a very attractive team and club to play for. Many players will be very happy to play for Manchester United, I'm sure."

Another squad overhaul?

"It's a joke. As long as I've worked, every summer, every window, 200 players getting interest from Manchester United, we did some research and also every summer we sell all of the players in our squad, which you make all of the headlines and that takes responsibility how you make such a headline. Find a good source if there is some truth in it..."

Ten Hag on Rashford

"I can't tell. So it was last week, after Coventry, his issue hasn't healed so far."

 

[Sassy Colin]

Watch the video and then decide, rather than basing it on a snippet of text.

 

[P-Nut]

Just on face value reading that it doesnt sound like he's getting on too well with Wilcox. Or at least what Wilcox is trying to do.

Sounded more like he's working with him on targets and a plan for the summer.

Obviously there isn't much else he could say, but it suggests that a decision to fire him certainly hasn't been made so far.

 

[Sassy Colin]

Half an hour interview:

 

[Sassy Colin]

Embargoed section

 

[IRN-BRUno]

Arsenal press conference:

Ten Hag on Martinez

"Yesterday, Licha came to me and wanted to play on Sunday against Arsenal but he's not ready yet, he needs a little bit more time to go through the process, but he is so desperate."

Ten Hag confident Rashford will be available vs Arsenal

“Rashy, of course, he trained this morning as well, and we have to see how he recovered from this. But I think it looks quite good and I hope he can tomorrow make the next training and then see if he is available for Sunday."

Ten Hag confirms Shaw setback

"Luke Shaw had a setback in his process as well but there is still a hope and he will fight to be available for the [FA Cup] final."

Ten Hag confirms double midfield boost

"Bruno was on the pitch and Scott McTominay was on the pitch, so there are some players returning."

Ten Hag asked if he worries for his job as United manager

"No. The [owners] have common sense. You see when we have 32 different back lines, we've used 13 partnerships in centre half, when they see we don’t have a left back, they know that will have a negative impact on results. It's a huge FA Cup final. We are happy to be there. It can be a highlight for this season. We know the reasons we are underperforming is because of the injuries. No team will perform when you have so many injuries in key areas."

Ten Hag asked if he would prefer Ineos to issue a statement providing clarity on his position

"This question you have to make to the owners, not to me. This is your opinion [that he would prefer a public show of support]. You have to put the question to them."

Ten Hag praises Arsenal ace Rice

"He's a very good player. He would absolutely have fitted here."

 

[Sassy Colin]

The moment SJR issues a statement supporting Ten Hag, he's a goner. Surely the idiots of the press know that.

 

[Sassy Colin]

 

[IRN-BRUno]

Newcastle press conference:

Martinez in contention to return

"Licha Martinez: I think he will return to the squad. He's done some sessions with us and we plan for him to be available if this afternoon everything goes right in training. He will return to the squad."

Ten Hag on other members of the injured brigade

"For some other players we have to see: [Marcus] Rashford, Bruno [Fernandes], Willy Kambwala, if they are fit enough."

Ten Hag defends Hojlund

"When we decided to go for him we buy a player for this season and the future. He has to develop, he has to progress, he needs time, sometimes it goes up and down, before winter he struggled to get his first Premier League goal but he is a very strong character. I am more confident, he's close."

More from Ten Hag on Hojlund and the decision to sign him

"Last season we had a goalscorer with 30. We add one extra striker to the squad and on financial resources more was not possible. We were quite confident when you are third and reach two finals, when you add a striker the transfer policy is right."

Ten Hag shares Varane update

"We are planning, definitely, for the last games [for Varane to play]. Not tomorrow but we hope for Sunday and then, of course, for the last game."

Ten Hag on the magnitude of the clash with Newcastle

"It's a very important game. You get the ranking, so it's very important to get the win. We have to do everything in it to get the win and we have to fight hard for it."

Ten Hag addresses Fernandes exit links

"It's the same question as last week. So I answered. The same answer. Now in all the years he was a tremendously important player for Manchester United and creating the most chances across the Premier League. So many assists, so many goals. It's clear he's a very important player for us."

Ten Hag hails the fans

"What they did in the last games. At Palace, they were so magnificent, they were brilliant. You say the mood is low, maybe the expectations are lower but I don't want to say the mood, the vibe they create is lower, they back the team at Palace and last Sunday."