NEVER RULE LIKE THEY DID UNDER FERGIE AGAIN
Blues boss Guardiola twists knife into rivals TODAY, LIVE ON SKY SPORTS, KO 3.30
committed to the club – but especially they are committed to this team.
“They want to be successful and are therefore aware you need the team, your teammates and cooperation.
“When the cooperation is growing, you will play better. That is how the players are thinking – and they are not thinking about strategic reviews or structures or whatever. I have said that in possession we have to do better. But there are reasons for that. It is something I am not going into, but everyone can see why.
“But there are also facts so I disagree [with Carragher]. We are much better.
“We are top in the Premier League in high-ball regains, we are top in middle-ball regains. So our pressing is always very good. So there is no truth in what he (Carragher) is saying.” Keeper Andre Onana was United’s hero in Tuesday night’s Champions League victory over FC Copenhagen after saving an injury-time penalty to secure a vital 1-0 win.
Onana was signed to help build from the back – but has taken time to settle following his £40million arrival from Inter Milan. Ten Hag said: “The first job of a keeper is to save his goal. That’s his first and main job – and don’t forget that.
“But, yes, he is a keeper who we can use as an extra player and if we are developing he can be more progressive even higher up the pitch as an extra player, so that’s an advantage.
“It also depends on the opposition, like how strong their press is, for instance.
“Also, how good is the team around him? Is it possible? In my philosophy, he has to do it every game, but it is not always possible, so you have to adapt – and this is what we try to make clear.
“Even if you’re not playing well, if the team is not playing well or you’re not playing to the standards you expect, you still have to win.
“And to find a way to win, sometimes you have to be pragmatic.”