Ten Hag: 'The process is in progress'
Erik ten Hag is pleased with the development of his Manchester United squad, but appreciates there is more progress required.
In an exclusive interview with club media, to preview today's clash with West Ham United (16:15 GMT), the boss discussed a wide variety of topics, including why he refers to Christian Eriksen's "pecking passes", team news, the club's Academy and the strengths of David Moyes's side.
He also offered a view on Marcus Rashford's bid to hit 100 goals for the Reds before he turns 25 on Monday and had special words of encouragement for his friend Sebastien Haller, who has returned to training with Borussia Dortmund this week, after illness.
Matchday Q&A | Ten Hag on West Ham (H)
The manager says his players have to be ready to battle and fight for the team and this club...
It was the biggest win since you took charge, over Sheriff on Thursday, have you reviewed the performance now and how pleased are you with how we played?
“We don’t have to overestimate this performance and this result. I think it was an obligation to win this game but the lads did well. You have to compliment that as they were very professional, and did the job, where we played in the opposition half and stayed in the opposition half. We created a lot of chances and didn’t concede counter-attacks. It was a good performance and we move on.”
Is Friday more about recovery for the players involved in the game?
“Yes, it’s about recovery, it’s about sleeping, it’s about food and it’s about getting ready for the next game – and it’s a big game.”
You said after the game in one of your interviews we noticed that Christian Eriksen makes “pecking passes” – there was one ball, in particular, to Bruno Fernandes inside their box in the first half, is that what you mean by this definition, those kind of passes?
“Yeah, of course, we wanted those most in the final third but also in the preparation, in the build-up to attacks, those passes, killing opponents. And you need players to see those passes, to pass them as the skills but also the positioning for the ones who have to receive it in the back of the opponents is important.”
You’ve had to utilise the squad a lot since the last international break – are you pleased with the way the whole squad has responded that, especially in training?
“We are doing well. You see we are developing. We are getting better from game by game and that has to be. The process is in progress, eh, and there is still a lot of room for improvement.”
As for the team news for West Ham, it was great to see Donny [van de Beek] and Harry [Maguire] getting minutes back out on the pitch…
“Yeah, it’s important. You always want the squad complete so you can make choices. You need everyone but also injuries, you can not always avoid them. But, if so, then get them back as quickly as possible. They are back now. We are happy with that. We need them. We have to cover five more games until there is a big break but they are tough games. We want to get in the right position and we have a job to do as a team. I am happy they are there.”
You’ve mentioned Anthony Martial can be back before the World Cup so this would provide a boost if that’s the case?
“Every player. Every player who is in the squad can play a role. You’ve seen that yesterday with [Alejandro] Garnacho. He’s playing a role. Anthony Elanga, on Saturday, came in and had some more good touches when he came on. So we need all the players. All the players have to be available, they have to be ready to battle and ready to fight for this team and this club.”
West Ham are awkward opponents, as David Moyes always has his sides well organised, and they are usually hard to beat. What are you expecting from Sunday’s game?
“As you said, always playing well organised, the highest intensity, always really good spirit. They’re going to be tough opponents and tough to beat them but we have to.”
Marcus Rashford is on 99 goals for United – he got the winner in this fixture last season, how big an achievement would it be if he could hit the ton before he turns 25 on Monday, as a homegrown player at his boyhood club?
“Yeah, that will come. Most important is, of course, if we get a win, but I think Marcus knows that so he is always acting really as a team player. But, he is on the pitch to score goals. When he’s doing well, he will be in positions that he can score a goal and then it is about hitting the target, hitting the goal and getting them in. I hope for him Sunday will be the case but it will come definitely and that will be a massive performance from a player who will be 25 on Monday.”
Talking about homegrown players, the weekend marks 85 years of the run of having at least one homegrown player in the squad. Are you aware of this statistic and how important is it for a club like United to feature our own Academy talent?
“To be honest, I wasn’t aware of that but it tells you something, why I like clubs such as Manchester United. They give a lot of attention that they pay to the Academy and to teach players and build players, young players [to get them] into the first team. And I think, with those players, you can develop a culture, a certain style of play, because you have them long in your building. So it’s really important for every club but not every club has it – but Manchester United has it and I think it is of big value.”
“Definitely. So it was, really for me, such bad news. So sad for Sebastien Haller, he’s a great personality, that he got that illness. Now he is on his way back. I sent him my best wishes and all the luck to get back as quick as possible. But, of course, I hope he can first get better from this illness and then return back to where you belong, in top football. I’ve said he’s not only a fantastic goalscorer but a fantastic team-mate and a great personality. He is one of my friends. I am really happy that he is back, on his way back, and I hope he will return as quickly as possible.”