Ole's final word on the big game
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits he is dreaming of leading his Manchester United team to Europa League glory on Wednesday night, but the manager insists it's vital neither his nor his players' minds meander from ensuring we get the job done against Villarreal.
Solskjaer famously helped United triumph in Europe as a player, 22 years ago, when he netted THAT goal against Bayern Munich in the Nou Camp.
Ole now prepares to take charge of his first final as the Reds' boss and, as he told club media's Stewart Gardner in Gdansk, he's determined to make it another night to remember for everyone in the red half of Manchester...
Ole dares to dream
The boss says his side have prepared as normal and are determined to make it a night to remember in Gdansk...
Ole, now you’re here – how are you and the squad feeling and are there any nerves?
“I feel good, no nerves. Of course, you’re excited and looking forward to it. It’s a fantastic stadium with nice surroundings and an environment for a good game.”
After a long season how important is it to get some silverware? There is now a tangible reward for all the effort that’s been put in over the past nine months…
“Well, the final, first of all, is the reward for all the hard work they’ve put down in the last two years. They have worked together as a group and the spirit is fantastic, so now we hope we can perform on Wednesday night because that’s the main thing. We will prepare as normal and then I’m sure the result can hopefully come.”
The date, of course, is a good omen for you – what would it mean to you to win a European trophy as a player and as a manager for Manchester United?
“Of course, you can expect my answer – it’s something that you dream of. Now is not the time to dream though, now is the time to do the last preparations and don’t let your mind wander too much. We have to prepare as we normally do. As a Man United fan myself, of course, I’m looking forward to this and sometimes you have to dream. It’s hard not to, but you have to make sure you focus on the job.”
Our press conference and training session in full
📺 ESSENTIAL VIEWING 🔥 Ole, Bruno and Luke held a brilliant press conference, before a must-see training session...
“Yes and their manager has won the most Europa Leagues in the history of the tournament. They’re a team with loads of experience, up front, at the back and in midfield, so we know we’ve got to play well. We’ve prepared well, we’ve prepared to win, we always expect to win any game of football, but we know we have to earn it by being a good Man United.”