Erik: We’ll go to Anfield with confidence
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has acknowledged the difficulty of going away to Anfield and getting a positive result but says his side will go and face Liverpool with confidence this weekend.
United will make the trip over to Merseyside for Sunday’s 16:30 GMT kick-off in the Premier League 10 points ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s side, with both teams having played 24 games each.
But despite that fact, Ten Hag insists that the Reds will have to “sacrifice” and “suffer” as we search for a first win at Liverpool's stadium since January 2016.
That record, showing no United victory there in our last seven visits to play Klopp’s team, highlights the challenge ahead this weekend, but Erik says it’s one we’re relishing in what is likely to be a raucous atmosphere.
But despite that fact, Ten Hag insists that the Reds will have to “sacrifice” and “suffer” as we search for a first win at Liverpool's stadium since January 2016.
That record, showing no United victory there in our last seven visits to play Klopp’s team, highlights the challenge ahead this weekend, but Erik says it’s one we’re relishing in what is likely to be a raucous atmosphere.
Part one: Erik's Liverpool press conference Video
Part one: Erik's Liverpool press conference
Press conference part one | Ten Hag recalls his Anfield visit with Ajax and gives a fitness update on two players...
"I've been to Anfield, yes,” the boss told reporters in the first part of his pre-match press conference, recalling a visit with former club Ajax in the 2020/21 Champions League group stage. That game was played behind closed doors.
“I'm looking forward [to it], I know the ambience, the atmosphere will be great. It will be hostile against us, and we like it.
"It is, of course, a test. But we're facing Liverpool and we're really looking forward [to it], I know these players, my squad, my team will be prepared to go and fight, to go with confidence but we know it's going to be difficult.
“We know we have to suffer, we have to sacrifice to get a good result."
“I'm looking forward [to it], I know the ambience, the atmosphere will be great. It will be hostile against us, and we like it.
"It is, of course, a test. But we're facing Liverpool and we're really looking forward [to it], I know these players, my squad, my team will be prepared to go and fight, to go with confidence but we know it's going to be difficult.
“We know we have to suffer, we have to sacrifice to get a good result."
Having the right mindset will no doubt be key in a fixture of such significance, and Ten Hag’s developing side are continuing to showcase signs of a winning mentality.
Coming from behind to beat West Ham on Wednesday was the latest example of that, but the feeling can also be garnered from the post-World Cup form, and the positive results in key matches against Barcelona and Newcastle United recently.
"I think our mentality in general is very good,” the boss added, ahead of the trip to Anfield.
“I think we have many leaders who sets the mentality, who sets the standards, controls the standards, who correct if necessary.
“I think we are happy with this process, but we can always be better and that has to be the approach."
“I think we have many leaders who sets the mentality, who sets the standards, controls the standards, who correct if necessary.
“I think we are happy with this process, but we can always be better and that has to be the approach."
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