We are all very sad – but have a job to do, says Mourinho
Victims at the forefront of United’s thoughts
Ajax coach says ‘glow’ has been taken off final
Jose Mourinho told his Manchester United players they “have a job to do” in tonight’s Europa League final as the usual excitement and anticipation of a season-defining game deferred to professional compulsion.
The United manager opted to avoid the pre-match media duties upon the club’s arrival in Stockholm, Uefa granting a request for Mourinho not to take questions as the previous night’s terror attack in Manchester would have dominated the agenda.
Instead, a statement was issued through the club, Mourinho saying the victims of the atrocity would be at the forefront of the players’ hearts and minds when they faced Ajax this evening.
“We are all very sad about the tragic events; we cannot take out of our minds and our hearts the victims and their families,” said Mourinho. “We have a job to do and we will fly to Sweden to do that job. It is a pity we cannot fly with the happiness that we always have before a big game.
“I know, even during my short time here, that the people of Manchester will pull together as one.”
Uefa, European football’s governing body, cancelled United’s media call at the Friends Arena, although United’s players still visited the venue in the early evening for a walk around the pitch. They were subdued when, led by Mourinho, they appeared in the eerily deserted stadium for 10 minutes.
Inevitably, there is a sombre mood in the United camp, making this a major final like no other in recent history. Both sets of players will wear black armbands, a minute’s silence will be held before kick-off and the usual pageantry of an opening ceremony dispensed with. Ajax coach Peter Bosz said the “glow had been taken off the game” but accepted Uefa’s decision to play the match, despite the horrific background.
A staff party which United arranged for those unable to get to Stockholm was also cancelled. United’s executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, said the club would offer counselling to those affected by events.
In an internal email to staff, Woodward wrote: “Our thoughts go out to the victims and families affected. These senseless acts are designed to shake the confidence of people and to turn communities on each other. Members of our family of fans and our home community have been affected and we will be reaching out to provide the support of the club in what must be an unimaginably difficult time.
“Manchester is a resilient city and I am sure that its people will defy the wishes of those who have perpetrated this awful crime and demonstrate what a magnificent place this is.
“The club provides counselling and support services in times of crisis; please do not be afraid to ask if you have been affected. As a sign of respect for the victims and their families, we have decided that we should cancel the event planned for tomorrow evening.”
United have around 10,000 tickets for the final, but organisers were anticipating at least double that number, given the club’s huge following.
Uefa said security measures had intensified even before Monday night’s events as Stockholm was itself a victim of a terrorist attack in April. There was a significant police presence at the Arena from early yesterday.
Bosz said Ajax players had been affected but had no option but to approach the game with professionalism.
“What happened in Manchester is something we all feel in Ajax and, on behalf of all of us, we express our sympathies with the victims that fell,” said Bosz. “The feeling that prevails is the final does not have the glow it should have. This game should be a football feast but because of the events in Manchester we are affected. It is horrible. My sympathies are heartfelt.”
Meanwhile, United’s prospects of signing Atlético Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann and securing a deal quickly would be dramatically boosted if they beat Ajax and secured qualification for next season’s Champions League.