Erik Ten Hag Full Post-Match Press Conference Newcastle United 2-0 Manchester United 🔥

I couldn't help but be taken aback by the overwhelming pressure we faced during the game. The determination and passion exuded by our opponent, much like a sigh, caught us off guard. It's almost like when you travel to Saint James Park in Newcastle, you know something extraordinary is about to unfold. And especially when we clinched the cup, the stakes were even higher.

But to win big games, one must show maturity. Unfortunately, on that day, I didn't witness that level of composure on the pitch. It made me wonder what went wrong. Did our players underestimate Newcastle? Was this game akin to the unpredictability of the internet? No, I don't believe they underestimated Newcastle. In fact, our opponents played above their usual levels with a fervent eagerness. It's only natural that after losing a significant game against us, they would be determined to prove their mettle. But in such situations, it's important to match their intensity from the very beginning. However, we failed to do so. We struggled to penetrate the final third and failed to make enough attempts at the opponent's box. Fortunately, we did manage to block their shots, but we need to do better.

Section 2: Laughing Off Misconceptions

The questions asked by reporters often provide a moment of amusement for me. For instance, the notion that our team lacks the ability to score goals in certain matches is simply laughable. Yes, today wasn't our best performance, and we failed to create many scoring opportunities. But let's not forget the multitude of games where we have demonstrated our prowess in front of the net. There are instances in the past, to which you refer, where we have created chances and scored goals. Today just happens to be one of those days when things didn't go our way.

Towards the end of the game, with just one goal down, we had to take risks. In order to salvage the match, we made tactical substitutions, bringing in Anton Marshall and Jaden Central to regain control and possession. Our aim was to keep the ball and push forward. Losing the game made it imperative for us to try and save it. We switched to a more attacking formation, even risking going one against one in the back. It's a risky move, but in those crucial moments, you have to give it your all.

Section 3: The Determination Conundrum

The manager-player dynamic is an intriguing one, particularly when it comes to matters of determination. Do the players possess the same level of desire as their opponents? It's an interesting question, and I wholeheartedly agree with the assessment that our opposition was more determined, passionate, and displayed a greater desire to win the game. They showed it time and time again on the pitch. In such situations, it becomes incredibly challenging to emerge victorious.

Section 4: The Infamous Referee Call

Lastly, there were several instances of contention during the game, including the altercation between myself and the referee. Some might argue that the referee's decision was harsh, but personally, I don't believe it was too terrible. These moments happen in the heat of the game, and they quickly get resolved. I believe both the referee and I were focused on managing the game as effectively as possible.

In conclusion, it was a challenging game that tested our mettle. We faced unexpected pressure and struggled to match the determination of our opponents. However, it's important to remember that in the grand scheme of things, a single game does not define us. We have had plenty of exceptional performances in the past, and this setback will only serve to fuel our drive for future success. As we move forward, let's embrace the challenges, learn from our mistakes, and continue to push the boundaries of what we can achieve. Thank you for your support.