The Manchester United manager expressed concerns about Barcelona despite the absence of Pedri, Xavi and Osman Dembele and confirmed that they need to put on their best game of the season to eliminate the Catalans.
Erik ten Hag is ambitious and enthusiastic ahead of the Barcelona meeting as it will be his first major European match at Old Trafford as Red Devils manager and will come at an opportune time as the team has improved since the course correction . after a difficult start to the season.
“We have to play the best match of the season if we want to beat Barcelona,” the Manchester United manager told a pre-match press conference. “We believe in our potential and we want to get better every day.”
And he continued: “I don’t know what Xavi will do to make up for the absence of Xavi and Pedri. They are very young, but they are really very important to them.”
“While Barcelona have a very large team and I am convinced that those who take their place will not make it easy for us, Barcelona will present themselves here with a great team and we will have to do our best to beat them.”
How about no United!
The Dutchman did not want to reveal if he was preparing for any tactical surprise after adjusting the positions of the attackers in the match at the Camp Nou: “You will see that tomorrow, I cannot testify here.” “Martial hasn’t trained with the group so he’s out of the game but I hope Maguire and Anthony can be there.”
Ten Hag was very insistent on motivation before an important game and stressed, “We all always want to play these games.
Although Manchester United will play Newcastle in the final this weekend and could win their first trophy, Ten Hag confirmed: “At the moment we are only thinking about Barcelona, which is the current game, and nothing else. Our mentality is to think about the game.” One by one, we won’t change them now.”
The United manager added: “Two great teams are facing each other, it’s a great match and there will be a great atmosphere at Old Trafford so we’re looking forward to this match.”
Sir Ferguson Meets Ten Hag
Prior to the match, Ten Hag was seen dining in a Manchester restaurant with Sir Alex Ferguson and the photo caused controversy in Manchester.