I understand the importance of protecting your players and the need for clear communication about every aspect of the game. However, as top professionals earning significant salaries, they should inherently recognize these elements. Isn’t that why they were selected for the team in the first place? You trust them to handle the game themselves, don’t you? You can’t manage everything for them.
“I acknowledge that, but when I say it’s my responsibility, I mean that it’s my duty to guide them through the game. Today wasn’t just about one individual’s mistake; it was a team issue. Given the results from the weekend, we should have approached the match with greater excitement. Regardless of individual performance or successful passes, it’s about the overall feeling. The atmosphere at Old Trafford was one of wanting to step up, yet I sensed that we weren’t prepared once again. Over the past five weeks, while everyone has praised our progress, I must reiterate: we are far from where we should be at this club.”
You seem particularly frustrated this season when the team has had opportunities to capitalize on, like in the Brentford match or at half-time against Forest, where you emphasized the chance to seize the moment. Is that the sentiment you feel again tonight, considering the latest results?
“Yes, that’s part of it. My biggest concern is slipping back into the mindset we had last season. We need to work together to avoid that. The players are putting in effort, but we must improve. We have training tomorrow to prepare for what’s next.”
