Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

What Solskjaer told the players after PSG defeat

Wednesday 13 February 2019 09:27

Manchester United caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told his players not to feel sorry for themselves following the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, and urged them to focus on the lessons that can be learned from the experience.

The French champions ran out as 2-0 winners on Tuesday night at Old Trafford and are now favourites to progress to the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite tournament.

Second-half goals from Presnel Kimpembe and Kylian Mbappe ensured PSG won the game, and while our caretaker manager was disappointed with the result, he had a stark message for his young squad.

“Don't feel sorry for yourself,” Solskjaer said in his post-match press conference.

“This is something you've got to learn from. This is a level up from what we're used to. They were experienced, they bought some fouls - things like this, this is just part of their learning as players.

“Many of our players are very young. It's the first time Jesse and Marcus will play a proper Champions League game at Old Trafford. So, learn from that. You can't feel sorry for yourself."

Highlights: United 0 PSG 2 Video

Highlights: United 0 PSG 2

Watch what happened in our UEFA Champions League last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford...

Ole also stressed the importance of not dwelling on the evening, preferring to focus on our upcoming ties against Chelsea in the FA Cup and Liverpool in the league.

“We have to bounce back,” he said. “At this club you have to bounce back. In a tournament like the Champions League, it's going to be difficult whoever you play against but our bread and butter is the league and we've got the FA Cup against Chelsea as well.

“We have to look forward. We've got Chelsea and Liverpool in the next two games. Whoever is feeling sorry for themselves they will not play, probably, against Chelsea.”

The loss against PSG was also Ole’s first since being appointed as caretaker manager in December.

Prior to Tuesday the Norwegian had won 10 of his 11 games in charge, a run which has seen the Reds regain a place in the top four of the league.

Solskjaer's post-match press conference Video

Solskjaer's post-match press conference

Despite our European setback, Ole remained optimistic as he spoke to the media for over eight minutes...

However, the boss refused to believe that one result will see an end to the feel-good factor he has instilled at Old Trafford.

“No, not at all. I'm not afraid of that.” said Ole, when he was asked whether the defeat could end United’s recent momentum.

“We’ve got so many games to play for, so no. You can see the reaction in the changing room, they're disappointed but there is some determination and desire there to put it right.

"When we go to Paris we'll give it a go. Of course, it's a difficult mountain to climb but it's not impossible if we get to half-time with a 1-0 lead, that's what we've got to look for.”

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