Erik, do you see that two points dropped to take in
despite coming back from 2-0 down?
Mixed feelings and if you are 2-0 down, yeah it's really disappointed.
And of course, on the forehand you have to win this game and I think when you see
on the pitch the two teams and if you create so many chances and you almost nothing create
then you have to win this game but if you start each half the way we did it's
unacceptable. You concede two goals and then you have to run
behind the facts and that's really frustrating and
unacceptable but I have to make compliments to the team the way
they are resilient. The way they fight back and I think we make some
really good football. Great great chances and finally also
we finished and scored two great goals.
When you moved Marcus to the striker's role, he scored very quickly.
He did that on Saturday. Is that something that you would
consider going forward now that you actually start him up front
rather than on the wing?
Yeah. It's always after is difficult to analyse but I think after we make that change
is different for the opponent, is difficult for the opponent
because the dynamic change and the defenders they are in a
certain way, they are anticipating on a certain
attack and then all of a sudden everything is changing where we
move there, not only Rashford but also we're bringing Sancho on
we're bringing Pellistri and that changes the game as we did Saturday as well
and then he takes benefit from that situation I think.
Erik, you were without Jadon Sancho for so long and we asked
you so many questions about him. Were you ever concerned
that he might not come back? I'm not saying he's back to his
top level but he scored a goal tonight. The fans are clearly on his side.
Were you ever concerned that he wouldn't even reach that point?
I'm really happy he's in the right
direction and I hope he can keep this momentum going and
I'm sure that will strengthen him and motivate him to do even
more, as you see he's a brilliant footballer and if he
invest and he is in the right levels, he can perform
outstanding and I think we are now have a team who can dictate
games play more in opponent's half and he's he likes that, he
can play in tight areas and he can make such a difference
and that second goal that shows it but also I think when
he came last week on we have seen it as well.
But what does he need to do to make sure he doesn't go back to where we were?
Oh but that is I think it's in his own hands. And..
so if he wants, he can do, and think this team it's great to
play in. What gives you joy but I really enjoy him, of seeing him
playing the way he did with so much confidence, so much belief
a really direct, yeah it was great to see him and to play in this attack.
When you're playing an opponent like this
in the derby do you think the team is prepared for how heavy
they start and how quickly they come?
I think we could expect that and so I was really disappointed, so as always I
take it to myself, we talk about and that they had to be ready
and the approach from them who that would be, yeah maybe we
should have done it even more and more emphasise it, I don't
know I have to think about that, I have to reflect on that, but
definitely, it was the truth that we in each half we are not
ready and I started my talk in half time with "Hey come on guys
we are not ready, make sure when we go out for the second half
we already made it equalise and then you will win the game" but
then in the second half is the same and you concede so quickly
a goal because the opponent has front foot, is aggressive, is
winning challenges and that's the point that's most where I'm
disappointed about, that we lose all the battles in that first minutes of each half.
It's not just the opponent but also the fans, these fans are very very loud.
You're playing that again on Sunday. Do you have to tell your players to block out the noise
and what the fans might be chanting during this game as well?
But you're not playing against the fans. You're playing against
eleven who are on the pitch. So just come on take your
responsibility and first, deal with the ball. It was the first
mistake. Deal with the ball and we have good football
players but also make sure that we are playing in the
right formation because there was a problem with the first
goal and it was a wrong decision in the movement from
one player and then second, win your battles. Win your battles!
and then it's not possible that you concede such goals we did.
Third point,
The rules. Make sure you're disciplined in the rules and
also in that matter, it's too easy how we concede the goals.
So, you sound a little bit let's say.. annoyed
When you get annoyed with the team for not
following the rules, not winning the duels, all the
things you've mentioned. Do you do you shout at them?
Are you someone who shouts when you're angry?
Sometimes yeah. But it's, so I had mixed feelings. So I have to compliment them.
Yeah. I am with the way they fight. They fight back. But I
think they can do more and you have to be proactive and
don't let it happen. Right? And it's the way I you think I would go
into a game. Yeah, come on. It's a battle and you have
to be ready for the battle.
Erik, just quickly back to Jadon. He was away for quite a long time. How difficult was
that period for him and how did you go about setting the
rehabilitation process that he went through because he went to
went to Netherlands for a while aswell
It's clear it's a difficult period but he fight himself out and that's, that is
that credit to him of he needs credit for that and I'm
I'm pleased and I'm proud he did it, so I will back him, the
coaches are backing him, the team is backing him and
supporting him in this process but finally, he has to do it by
himself and you can see when he's in a good levels. He is
an outstanding football player. He's brilliant and he can make
a difference and I hope he can stay in this, in this mood and
contribute to the spirit of the team and score a lot of goals
or at least creating a lot of chances and assists.
Happy birthday.