Bruno Fernandes: “If we stick to the game plan from the first minute to the last, we can win”
MADRID, 22 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Manchester United coach Ralf Rangnick stressed on Tuesday that in the Champions League “you always have to perform at the highest level”, which is why he insisted that his team needs to “be prepared mentally and physically for a hostile atmosphere” in the Metropolitano, while praising the work of Diego Pablo Simeone for winning titles with Atlético with a “clear identity and recognizable game.”
“In the Champions League you always have to perform at the highest level. Mentally and physically, we need to be prepared for a hostile atmosphere, but we have enough experience in the team,” Rangnick said in statements collected by the club’s media at the previous press conference. to the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Atlético this Wednesday (9:00 p.m.).
The coach knows that he has a “physical and mental challenge” ahead of him. “I will try to prepare our team, my team, for exactly that kind of challenge. We have to be strong mentally in both games, even more so when we play away,” he warned.
“There is always an emotional side and this also reflects the character of the coach. Simeone is probably one of the most emotional coaches in Europe. The style and the way his teams always play reflect those emotions that he tries to bring to the team, and that’s what it’s about. We need to equalize the levels of energy and emotions in both games,” he explained.
Rangnick did not hesitate to admit that he feels “admiration” for “Cholo”. “He has won trophies with a clear identity and with a recognizable style of play. And I don’t think this has changed in recent years. We haven’t met yet, but I have always admired what he has achieved. I think he has transformed Atlético for complete at one of the most respected clubs in Europe,” said the United manager.
FERNANDES: “HAVE PLAYERS WHO DECIDE MATCHES IS ALWAYS USEFUL”
United player Bruno Fernandes highlighted Cristiano Ronaldo’s “goaling instinct” as a key aspect of the game. “Cristiano has won this competition many times. It’s all about us sticking together and having the same approach, but having players who can decide games at any time is always useful,” he acknowledged.
“Winning games gives you confidence, which is important for us. It’s a tough game, but if we stick to the game plan from the first minute to the last, we can win.”