Key quotes from Ten Hag's press conference

Friday 08 March 2024 14:31

Erik ten Hag believes that Sean Dyche's Everton is a team that reflects their manager's blueprint, as Manchester United prepare to host the Toffees at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Merseyside club visit M16 for a 12:30 GMT kick-off in the Premier League, looking to get back to winning ways following last weekend's derby defeat.

Erik briefed the media on Friday afternoon, answering questions on Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and his record as Reds boss, among other topics.

You watch the full press conference below, and scroll down to read the key quotes.

Part one: Press conference v Everton Video

Part one: Press conference v Everton

Press conference part one | Ten Hag on injuries, Everton and what constitutes a successful season…

PLAYERS COMING BACK

"That is the good news, they [Jonny Evans and Marcus Rashford] recovered after the derby. So they are available. For the rest it is the same squad, apart from Omari Forson. He dropped out. He has an injury. Mason Mount is in a good spell now and he will return shortly, I think after the international break.

"For next week I think some players are planning to return. So when the process will continue like now. Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka I expect to be back for our game against Liverpool. Hojlund similar."
STILL FIGHTING FOR SUCCESS THIS SEASON

"We want to be successful. We need to be successful and sometimes seasons are going like we are now in but we don't accept that. We will fight. We have had problems and still have problems in our squad with injuries but with the players who are available, we will fight for it. We have to win every game and we go into every game, it doesn't matter who is the opposition, we go for winning.

"The project is going in the right direction when we have the players available and top football is about winning games, we know that. We are working and we keep working on better performances and we want to play to maximum levels. We have to do it with the players that are available, which are good players. In some key positions you miss players who have a very high impact on the way we want to play."

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ABSENCES HAVE AFFECTED RESULTS

"No team can deal with so many injuries. I think we are playing to maximum levels if you take, in respect, the availability of the players. We've missed so many key players over many parts of the season and then obviously the results will not be like when the players are available.

"We have seen that when the players are available like January and February, our performances were very good and I think from that moment when the players were not even fit they could have done even better if they are 100 per cent fit in that moment but they were not."

"We have to do it [play games] with the players that are available. So I will never complain about that. So we work towards this [Everton] game with the players that are available and then we have to get the best out of it. And that is our aim."

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EXPECTATIONS OF EVERTON

"It is very clear you can see his [Sean Dyche's] handwriting in the style and play of Everton. And he has done that very good. From the moment he took over last season he made them very fit. There is a very clear structure in this team and it is a very good team. But we know what to do to beat them."

61 WINS IN FIRST 100 - BETTER RECORD THAN ARTETA AND KLOPP

"It tells you that we are in the right direction. Imagine if we had more players available and not so many setbacks and injuries, it could have been easily 70 or 75 wins. That tells the bright future of this team when players are available. When you compare it with other managers or other teams that were in a built-up stage or with previous managers in this big club, you can see there is a bright future. Also I think it is a good balance in ages in the squad because [we have] young and middle-aged players and experienced players together and as I said we could have easily from 100 games had 75 wins, and that is a big difference I think, with the stats you mention."

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