Every word from Ole ahead of Liverpool clash

The boss answered questions from journalists on Thursday night, following our 6-2 victory over Roma, and previewed one of the most highly anticipated matches of the campaign, our Old Trafford meeting with Jurgen Klopp's side.

In his pre-match press conference, Ole spoke about the meaning of the prestigious rivalry between England's most successful clubs, our position in the league table, the latest team news and this weekend’s social media boycott, among other topics.

Without further ado, here is every word from the first half of the manager's press conference…

You go into the game against Liverpool above them, which has been a rarity in recent years and the first time for you. Is that a challenge you want to take on that becomes a regular thing? That they are looking at you rather than the other way around...
"Of course, we know what they have done the last three or four seasons. They have been at the top of the league, won the Champions League and they have had some amazing seasons. That is a challenge to us to have that consistency now that we move up the table and we also challenge [Manchester] City and they feel they still have to win a few games."  

You have spoken a lot over the last week about clubs listening to fans. There is a big demonstration planned for Sunday afternoon before the Liverpool game to protest against the owners and against the Super League concept. There’s a lot of frustration there. What would you say to them, because you speak a lot about listening to the fans..
"It is important that the fans’ views are listened to and we communicate better. My job is to focus on the football side and that we have the best possible team. I have said before, I have been backed and have had great support from the club and the owners. I’m sure I will get the backing again to go one step further. I am so happy that all the clubs agreed that this shouldn’t be the way of moving forward. Then again, when the protests are on it is important they go in a good fashion and that we keep it peaceful."

Further on that, is it going to be a distraction, the protest, for the players? Because obviously, it’s a huge game...
"The players are focused on the game and nothing else. They have handled difficult situations before. Of course, it was a strange week before the Leeds game after the Super League announcement, but I have got to say that I am not worried for one second that our mind is not on the football when it happens. I think you saw here tonight that the players are fully, fully focused on performing."  

Bruno [Fernandes] seemed to take responsibility in the second half, [he] really stepped up into the game. He’s obviously performed well against Liverpool recently. Is that the kind of character you want in your team in these final stages, where you got players like Bruno steering the situation that might be going in a bad way and taking responsibility? 
"I think the whole team took responsibility, of course, Bruno [Fernandes] was part of that as well. We picked an experienced team to handle setbacks, to be able to handle setbacks. It was a big plus for me the way Bruno, Paul [Pogba], Edinson [Cavani], Marcus [Rashford], even at his young age, the runs he made in the second half he might not get the credit for it, but his movement was excellent. Against Liverpool we need experience, we need quality, we need to defend well, we need every aspect of the game because we know the quality they have got and they can hit that quality against us easily." 

What have you made of Liverpool’s season, given what they achieved last season. I’m not sure anyone would be predicting for them to fight for a Champions League spot. What have you made of their season so far?
"I think we all, before this season, had worries how this season is going to go for the players. They have had bad injuries this season. This season has been more different to any other season in modern football. So I am just focused on ourselves. I cannot say anything about Liverpool’s season. I have not really watched them too closely and followed them because I have got my own club and problems and challenges."

I know second isn’t assured but it looks like you should finish second. Is there going to be a chance for some of the fringe players and young players to be getting playing time in the league in a run-in to the potential Europa League final?
"We’ve just got to focus on one game at a time. Of course, if we manage some good results in the next few league games there will be minutes for more players that deserve to play more. I have got quite a few who haven’t played enough, but we have to make sure we do the right things. We have got Liverpool, which is difficult enough as it is, then we have got Villa, then we have got Leicester, Fulham and Wolverhampton and we still need to get to the final, so I will take it as it comes. It is hard to plan too far ahead."  

I think you can be 100 per cent in top four with a win. How important for the big clubs like yourselves and Liverpool, how much is that being a part of being a big club to be in the Champions League next season?
"Football has turned this way or become this way. One, you fight to win the Premier League; that is the bread and butter. That is the dream, that is what everyone wants, but there’s almost like another trophy: second, third or fourth, because the Champions League is such a massive tournament to be in. You play against the best, there are loads of financial gains by being there. Last season, when we were so far behind, our aim was to get in the top four. Sometimes top four is not even secure. Arsenal and Chelsea could still win their respective tournaments and not be top four, so we have just got to make sure that we are doing our job and getting into the Champions League ourselves."

I appreciate that the focus is on your team but with the rivalry, one that you were fully invested in as a former player, how much of a bonus would it be to dent Liverpool’s Champions League hopes with a victory on Sunday?
"We don’t go out there, we are just thinking about winning ourselves. Whatever that does to Liverpool can’t be of our concern. Throughout the season you have games you look forward to and this Liverpool game at home is one of the biggest of the season. It doesn’t matter if we are first or second, third or fourth no matter what this is a massive, massive game."  

Is there any team news, and on a far more important note, what are your thoughts of the social media boycott taking place this weekend?
"Team news, I think everyone should be available. No fresh injury reports from the semi. I’m very pleased that we make this boycott. I think it’s important. Ever since I came here we have been speaking regularly, in intervals, too often about racism, discrimination, abuse. Of course, this is our way of making a stand, taking a standpoint. We have our own campaign: See Red. I think it’s important that we affect people, influence people. We know we are not going to stop it but hopefully we can influence people a little bit and then a little bit and a little bit, and in the end we stop talking about it. No-one is benefiting for this situation."