Every word from Erik's press conference: Part two
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has emphasized both the grit and determination he believes his side possesses in order to succeed moving forward.
The Reds are set to return to Premier League action against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon (16:30 GMT), as we look to continue our impressive away form as of late.
Having picked up three points consecutively on our travels against Burnley, Sheffield United and Fulham, United are due to travel to Merseyside in what is expected to be a tightly-contested affair.
Quizzed on a range of different topics at his pre-match press conference on Friday, we can now bring you every word Erik had to say in front of the media. Below, you can both read and watch it all in full...
Having picked up three points consecutively on our travels against Burnley, Sheffield United and Fulham, United are due to travel to Merseyside in what is expected to be a tightly-contested affair.
Quizzed on a range of different topics at his pre-match press conference on Friday, we can now bring you every word Erik had to say in front of the media. Below, you can both read and watch it all in full...
Part two: Press conference v Everton Video
Part two: Press conference v Everton
Press conference part two | Ten Hag is asked about Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund and financial rulings...
Erik why do you think that Mason Mount has struggled a little bit this season? He was a big signing, you knew him and he seemed a very good fit. I know it does take time but really and surely, this has got to be his big week?
''You can look for reasons behind [that]. There are reasons when you pick up injuries. The back four is not working, we have to make a lot of subs in the back four that have an affect on the balance of the midfield. The front players we have to make a lot of changes, so then the routines are not there. Still, I think he has had his moments where he did very well. But I think that stopped in the moment he got injured.''
What's his mood like? I don't know him as a person, so how determined is he to try and put things right and be a success here?
''He is a top professional. He is working very hard in training.''
''You can look for reasons behind [that]. There are reasons when you pick up injuries. The back four is not working, we have to make a lot of subs in the back four that have an affect on the balance of the midfield. The front players we have to make a lot of changes, so then the routines are not there. Still, I think he has had his moments where he did very well. But I think that stopped in the moment he got injured.''
What's his mood like? I don't know him as a person, so how determined is he to try and put things right and be a success here?
''He is a top professional. He is working very hard in training.''
The great United sides of the past, winning titles coming out of their ears and [being] European champions and everything else. For all they do and for as well as they used to play, they always used to say that the first thing they had to do was win the fight, to earn the right to play football. You're going to have to fight with these three games on the run like never before. Everton - who are in this mess - then Galatasaray and Newcastle are all going to come for you. Have you got enough fighters, I know you have said you have never doubted the footballing ability, but have you got enough fighters and fighting spirit in this squad?
''That is just what we have emphasized upon in the last few games. Firstly, get into the fight. When you don't have a left full-back, when you don't have a right winger and you have to swap your team. Maybe the routines are not 100 per cent working. But make sure you get the foundations by getting into the fight. Make sure you run as hard as your opponent, you cover each other and [you have] quick reactions. That gives you a foundation because our players are very good, they have a lot of skills and a lot of abilities. So their football is always in there. Once we have our mindset clear and bright, and we are in that fight, we will find our moments where we can do brilliant things. [That's] because our players as as a group are capable of doing that and I think we have seen that in the last couple of games. That's why we have won four out of the last five.''
I know what you are saying and I know you have had to put a midfielder at left-back and the fact that a player is running for 90 minutes, you can't doubt that. But you can stick Paula Radcliffe in and she will run for 90 minutes, but will she be able to stand up to a midfield battle, that's what I mean in terms of a fight, someone who will square up to you. You've got to have your Keane's, Robson's of the past. Have you got those players or do you think your message has got through to them, as well as the talent?
''I think the last game showed their personality of the team. You have seen that the players stood up and they took the responsibility, they worked for the team, they were organising the team. That was the way we got results.''
''That is just what we have emphasized upon in the last few games. Firstly, get into the fight. When you don't have a left full-back, when you don't have a right winger and you have to swap your team. Maybe the routines are not 100 per cent working. But make sure you get the foundations by getting into the fight. Make sure you run as hard as your opponent, you cover each other and [you have] quick reactions. That gives you a foundation because our players are very good, they have a lot of skills and a lot of abilities. So their football is always in there. Once we have our mindset clear and bright, and we are in that fight, we will find our moments where we can do brilliant things. [That's] because our players as as a group are capable of doing that and I think we have seen that in the last couple of games. That's why we have won four out of the last five.''
I know what you are saying and I know you have had to put a midfielder at left-back and the fact that a player is running for 90 minutes, you can't doubt that. But you can stick Paula Radcliffe in and she will run for 90 minutes, but will she be able to stand up to a midfield battle, that's what I mean in terms of a fight, someone who will square up to you. You've got to have your Keane's, Robson's of the past. Have you got those players or do you think your message has got through to them, as well as the talent?
''I think the last game showed their personality of the team. You have seen that the players stood up and they took the responsibility, they worked for the team, they were organising the team. That was the way we got results.''
Hi Erik, with Rasmus, obviously he has not scored in the Premier League but has scored in the Champions League as you say. Do you think those relationships between him and the forwards are growing and do you think it is a case of him learning how they operate and how the wingers operate, in order to create more chances for him?
''It's growing as you can see and you can also see that they are creating chances. So now it is a matter of time and they will [find the] net in the Premier League as well. If you score in the Champions League, you will also score in the Premier League. It is just a matter of time.''
Erik, you mentioned the amount of injuries you have had this season and I know a lot of them have been caused during games. But as a coach and a manager, have you examined the intensity of training and have you reduced that intensity? Or is it impossible to compromise when you are playing in the Premier League?
''You already answered the question. Look, last year we played the most games all across Europe. Last year was a weird year with the World Cup in the middle of the season. Every manager is complaining about the schedule, yesterday I heard the statements from Thomas Tuchel, [this is] every manager. But still they keep adding games to the schedule. Next year again they will add two games. We have already achieved the limits. I think we are already across the limits that the players can handle. Then what we see now in the first twelve Premier League games and the standards and physical standards are even higher, in relation to last year and in comparison to last year. You don't have a choice to make, either you match it and then you don't have to train it, so you have to get the preparation [right]. Or you drop off. That is the decision. Every club, every team and every individual has to make that decision.''
''It's growing as you can see and you can also see that they are creating chances. So now it is a matter of time and they will [find the] net in the Premier League as well. If you score in the Champions League, you will also score in the Premier League. It is just a matter of time.''
Erik, you mentioned the amount of injuries you have had this season and I know a lot of them have been caused during games. But as a coach and a manager, have you examined the intensity of training and have you reduced that intensity? Or is it impossible to compromise when you are playing in the Premier League?
''You already answered the question. Look, last year we played the most games all across Europe. Last year was a weird year with the World Cup in the middle of the season. Every manager is complaining about the schedule, yesterday I heard the statements from Thomas Tuchel, [this is] every manager. But still they keep adding games to the schedule. Next year again they will add two games. We have already achieved the limits. I think we are already across the limits that the players can handle. Then what we see now in the first twelve Premier League games and the standards and physical standards are even higher, in relation to last year and in comparison to last year. You don't have a choice to make, either you match it and then you don't have to train it, so you have to get the preparation [right]. Or you drop off. That is the decision. Every club, every team and every individual has to make that decision.''
Who will be on the touchline at Everton?
ArticleErik ten Hag confirms which of his coaches will replace him in the technical area, due to his ban.
What would your decision be? That you should train with full intensity, regardless of the injury situation?
''No, I won't tell you that. You have to do it smart. Every top-level player and team knows that you have to suffer in order to sacrifice. If you want to get prepared for games, then you have to - in certain moments and in the right moments - periodisation you call it, you have to go to certain levels in terms of your physical, if you want to match those standards. Those standards are not set by us no, it is set by the opposition.''
Erik, just on the financial rules more generally, obviously you couldn't do everything you wanted in the summer transfer window because United are trying to stay within the financial rules in terms of FFP. When you see the Premier League investigating one club, have charged another club and are punishing another club, does it feel unfair to you at any point? Or is it important that the Premier League takes that stance to bring about a fair and level playing field when you guys are trying to stay within the rules and are suffering for it?
''It gives you limitations. You are telling me all the time bring this player in, bring that player in, you have to match the FFP rules. So you have to do it and do it within those rules. You have to construct the best squad possible.''
''No, I won't tell you that. You have to do it smart. Every top-level player and team knows that you have to suffer in order to sacrifice. If you want to get prepared for games, then you have to - in certain moments and in the right moments - periodisation you call it, you have to go to certain levels in terms of your physical, if you want to match those standards. Those standards are not set by us no, it is set by the opposition.''
Erik, just on the financial rules more generally, obviously you couldn't do everything you wanted in the summer transfer window because United are trying to stay within the financial rules in terms of FFP. When you see the Premier League investigating one club, have charged another club and are punishing another club, does it feel unfair to you at any point? Or is it important that the Premier League takes that stance to bring about a fair and level playing field when you guys are trying to stay within the rules and are suffering for it?
''It gives you limitations. You are telling me all the time bring this player in, bring that player in, you have to match the FFP rules. So you have to do it and do it within those rules. You have to construct the best squad possible.''
Ten Hag: We need to match Everton's ire
ArticleErik ten Hag and Sean Dyche were both asked about Everton's 10-point deduction, ahead of United's trip to Goodison Park.
Does it feel fair then that every club should play by those rules?
''I agree. When you set certain rules everyone has to match those rules because otherwise then it is not fair anymore.''
So is it good to see that the Premier League are taking this seriously?
''Yes, but I don't know everything from it. Every detail from it. So if you are wanting to direct me at that point, no. I am not a financial expert. There are others in the club who are dealing with that.''
''I agree. When you set certain rules everyone has to match those rules because otherwise then it is not fair anymore.''
So is it good to see that the Premier League are taking this seriously?
''Yes, but I don't know everything from it. Every detail from it. So if you are wanting to direct me at that point, no. I am not a financial expert. There are others in the club who are dealing with that.''
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