Erik ten Hag says that while fortune may not have favoured Manchester United in the early part of this season, the Reds must “look in the mirror”
and improve the level of performance against Bayern Munich.
United face the German giants at the Allianz Arena this evening (Wednesday, 20:00 BST) in the group stage of the Champions League, as the two history-laden clubs lock horns for the first time in nine years.
Ten Hag himself managed in Bavaria some 10 years ago, when he took charge of Bayern's second string at the beginning of his coaching career.
Ahead of the eagerly-anticipated heavyweight clash, Erik spoke to club media to discuss history, bouncing back and the prestige of the Champions League...
How does it feel to be back in Munich, a place where 10 years ago you spent some time in the early years of your coaching career?
You've managed to get the players on the training pitch for a few sessions since the defeat against Brighton, so have you seen a hunger from your players to put things right?
“I see that all the time but we have to put it [right] during the matches. During parts of games we are doing well but also we go below our standards in some occasions. We have to learn from that and we have to step up. We have to do better than this because otherwise you don't win big games.”
“It is great and this is a great place. A historical club and a club that has as big achievements as Manchester United does so when those two institutes face each other, it is a great match. Everyone has a look at it and it is really enjoyable to be part of it.”
You've managed to get the players on the training pitch for a few sessions since the defeat against Brighton, so have you seen a hunger from your players to put things right?
“I see that all the time but we have to put it [right] during the matches. During parts of games we are doing well but also we go below our standards in some occasions. We have to learn from that and we have to step up. We have to do better than this because otherwise you don't win big games.”
Do you feel we are missing a bit of luck at times as well? Sometimes that changes in football and can alter the outcome of a match...
Both teams are full of world-class players. Is this what the Champions League is all about - matches like this one?
“[They are] great matches to be part of. It is going to be a great game I am sure, from start to finish. You have to be front foot and you have to be happy to be part of it but also you have to show it on the pitch. You have to give everything in such a game and then you know as a player you have to suffer. You have to sacrifice to get the right result.”
“Yeah, but I think you put it right and you have to make your own luck. We can't be dependent on luck or un-luck. We can't blame anybody else. We have to look in the mirror and get better results.”
Both teams are full of world-class players. Is this what the Champions League is all about - matches like this one?
“[They are] great matches to be part of. It is going to be a great game I am sure, from start to finish. You have to be front foot and you have to be happy to be part of it but also you have to show it on the pitch. You have to give everything in such a game and then you know as a player you have to suffer. You have to sacrifice to get the right result.”
Looking at the travelling squad, there are a few players still missing. Is it up to the ones that are here to prove that there is depth and there is quality in your squad?
“Tomorrow we put a great team on the pitch that can get the win. We have to believe in that from the start until the end, even when the extra time is 10 minutes.”