United v Leicester: Erik's press conference

Just days after our return from the Nou Camp, the Reds will host the Foxes at Old Trafford and Ten Hag says his players "will be ready" for the occasion. 

The boss has spoken about the need for his players to recover and maintained the squad relishes the challenge of competing in four competitions.

Ten Hag was asked by journalists about a potential title race, the future of the club and more. Below, you can read every word from the press conference...

Hi Erik, it's obviously been a hard night for your players, such an intense game. Now you have to start again against Leicester on Sunday. Is it possible for the players to re-energise and re-focus after such a short space of time, for another big game on Sunday?
"Yes, of course. It is about if we do the things right and we are ready and we have been in this rhythm for many weeks. So our players are doing really well in their sleep, in their recovery, in their food and they will be ready for Sunday. Definitely."

You are third in the Premier League and on course to return to the Champions League. Did this performance convince you and show you that this team can compete in the Champions League, and that you can get back there straight away?
"We are in the right direction but we have to fight for it. There are two ways. One is to win the Europa League and the other way is the Premier League. We know what to do and we have to see it from game to game. We must fight to get back in the Champions League."

With the busy schedule, is it something the players should relish and know this is what they have to deal with if they are to compete for big trophies and get right to the end of competitions?
"Yeah, but the players in our squad, they like it. They like to play in big games and they know as team, and as an individual, you grow from such games. Today, we went against better players, a better team and it will help us in our process. We are in the right direction so we have to keep this process going. We will analyse again, we wil criticise, what went good, what went wrong, and we move on to Sunday, on the next game and the next big game."

Arsenal have dropped a lot of points, Manchester City have dropped points and have shown the title is still up for grabs, with more than two clubs?
"We don't think about that so far. What we have to do is put us in April in the right position, so our thinking can only be on the next game and how we can be better than we were in the previous game. We have to think about going from game to game to help us put the right energy and focus in."

Does that mean that to be in with a chance come April, you want to be within four or five points of the top?
''It does mean that we have to win on Sunday. We have to collect the three points against Leicester. That demands a lot of energy and demands high standards.''

I know there are lots of games and competitions for you to focus on. But bubbling over in the background is the news of potential investors and a takeover of the club. Have you been following that at all and have the players been following it all? How do you keep their focus on the football?
"We are following it, it is our club and of course we are committed, but we are focusing on football, on training, on our way of playing, on games and that is what we are focusing on. And we are really enjoying it at the moment, with togetherness, and it is enjoyable to work. Yeah, we are focusing on games, we have four leagues [competitions]. So others in the club will have to take decisions and give efforts in that process, but it is not up to us."

Have you spoken to Richard Arnold or any of the Glazer family about what could happen with a takeover?
''No. I must say from the start, yeah, they told me how the process is going. But I will focus on football and they are focusing on other parts and departments of the club. How to get everything, for instance, financed.''