Erik ten Hag: Exclusive Interview on Manchester United's Challenges and Upcoming Matches

Erik ten Hag's Response to Pressure Following Spurs Defeat

In a recent exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag opened up about the challenges he faces amidst increasing pressure. After a disappointing defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, Ten Hag emphasized the importance of sticking to the team’s strategy as they prepare for upcoming matches against Porto and Aston Villa.

Processing the Loss

When asked about his reflections on the Spurs defeat, Ten Hag explained that he approached the loss methodically. "It's like a process as you do always. You play a game and you review it to take the assessments out, set conclusions, and take it from there,” he stated. He acknowledged the performance of his team as "bad" and highlighted the necessity to address existing problems.

Maintaining Belief Within the Squad

Ten Hag discussed the critical role of belief within the team: "The most important is always keeping the belief. You stay in the game by keeping the belief. If you lose your faith, you lose everything." He affirmed that belief and confidence are interconnected, and players must trust in themselves, their teammates, and the tactical plan.

Shared Responsibility on the Field

Touching on game management, Ten Hag stressed that it should be a shared responsibility between him and the players. "That's my job; I have to make them play and give instructions on how they should respond to in-game challenges," he explained. He reflected on the need for a cohesive approach: if the players underperform, it reflects on his coaching abilities.

Transitioning the Team

Acknowledging that Manchester United has been in a state of transition for some time now, Ten Hag mentioned the process of incorporating younger players into the squad to replace older ones. "We have to embed the game model and a stronger team," he asserted, recognizing the challenges but reaffirming his belief in achieving the targets set for the season.

Goals and Expectations

When discussing the goals for the season, Ten Hag stated, "That is always winning trophies and finishing as high as possible in the league." He acknowledged the frustration felt by fans and the imperative to improve, expressing the club's collective impatience for success.

Coping with Criticism

Managing a high-profile club like Manchester United comes with its share of scrutiny. Ten Hag noted the importance of focusing on team management rather than external criticism, stating, "You have to deal with criticism and not make a big deal of it." He emphasized the need to remain solution-oriented and not get distracted by negative opinions.

Looking Ahead

As the pressure mounts, Ten Hag remains resolute: "I'm not thinking about it, I'm not anxious. We are together.” He concluded the interview by reinforcing the agreement made with club ownership and leadership that patience is essential during this transitional phase, with the aim to win trophies by the season's end.

Conclusion

As Manchester United progresses through a challenging season, Ten Hag’s transparency and commitment to the team's ethos will be vital. The upcoming matches against Porto and Aston Villa could be pivotal for both his future and the club's trajectory.