Erik's press conference: The key quotes

 

“Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw, they are progressing very well but are not ready for this game. Manuel Ugarte, I think we all have seen he played for Uruguay. He returned this afternoon, he was the only player who returned today. All the other players returned yesterday, so he is available for this game.”

 

 

“We will see where we are in May next year. It's very early in the season and it's about winning trophies, being as high as possible, of course, in the league. Do everything to win every game and then we will see in May where we are and then judge.”

 

“It doesn't impact me. I know, in the process, where we are, what we have to do, where we are going. I have said before, we are still in a transition period. We have to integrate a lot of young players also in the team. We are still dealing with injuries, we have to bring the injuries back in the team. Before anyone thinks about excuses, no: we have to win every game. I know that, the team knows this and it doesn't matter who is available. We will focus on every game and, in every game, have the mindset we have to win.”

 

 

“Of course, when you see the scores, no-one is happy. But also players have a very good sense of the process, of the quality of the process. I agree with him. Also, when you analyse the games - all the games - so far, we are in a good direction, but also, as normal in a transition period and in the period where you have to build a team, we have to improve. We have to step up.”

 

“We have good characters, you feel the team spirit and now it's about getting the patterns and the routines in. Once we have that, everyone sees the quality we have on the training pitch.”

 

 

“We have to win all the games and that will always be the approach. It doesn't change for any game.”