Ralf Rangnick, Manchester United’s new manager, spoke in the preview of his first Champions League game with the Red Devils against the Swiss Young Boys. These were his statements:
Announcement: “I have not decided the team yet but it makes sense to let a couple of players rest given the calendar. We need to make sure we have the majority of players recovered but we also need to be on a positive note. We lost the first group game against Young Boys and we need to improve that image. “
Adaptation: “If you watch the game against Palace, I don’t think we lacked energy. The first half hour was almost perfect. The way to press … I didn’t expect us to be at that level. In the second half we didn’t have the same pace, but still this is how we control the game “
Is United a candidate for the Champions League ?: “It’s too early to say. I’ve only been here a week and we’ve played a game. Obviously with a club like this we have to be ambitious in all competitions.”
Did the Champions League lead you to sign for United ?: “Since I was studying at university, I have been especially interested in English football. When the offer came from United I didn’t even think about it. There are a lot of good players here to work with them for six months. You couldn’t refuse.”
A successful season: “Success only comes through development. We have to be able to evolve the team over the next six months. On Sunday they showed how they can play. There is room for improvement, but we got the first clean sheet at Old Trafford since April. That is one of the priorities. In the end, I hope success means playing in the Champions League and the FA Cup. It is not an easy draw. It will be like another Premier League match. “
New signings: “I am very happy to work with the staff I met last week. Now we have decided to bring a sports psychologist with Sascha Lense. He is German, a former Second-tier player. I used to work with him at Leizpig. We have known each other since then. I will introduce him to him. The team as soon as he has his visa and work permit. Also Chris Armas. He was second to Jesse Marsch at the New York Red Bulls. There I met him. Since then we have met frequently. In my role as global director of Red Bull in the last three years he was the head coach of the NY Red Bulls and also of Toronto in MLS. I hope he joins the team soon. “
Van de Beek and Henderson, headlines: “Yes, we’ll start with both tomorrow. Donny already came off the bench last Sunday. Dean is a very ambitious goalkeeper. We need two.”
Varane and Cavani out: “They won’t be able to play tomorrow, but they trained with us today. Edi since yesterday. For Rapha it was the first day. I hope they can both do full training next week. They are two top players. I would love to have them as soon as possible, but obviously for the rest of the season. “
Lingard’s Future: “Everyone will get their chance. I’m happy to be able to give some of them playing time tomorrow. It’s a perfect opportunity to meet the players.”
Lack of a sports scientist: “I do not know the situation in other clubs. In Germany the majority have. It is logical. We should have an expert for the brain. Not to seat the players on the couch, but to help them to help their mind to help their body. Everything the world on our team has to think the right way. “
Trust in the club: “As Nemanja (Matic) has said, winning matches is the best way to regain confidence. In the last matches, three wins and a draw. Everything is about regaining confidence. The players have to buy it, I can tell them what I want. They need to make my way of watching football their own. The first step has already been taken “