You said Lisandro was not fit. Do you know when he’s likely to be fit? Could that be before the next lot of internationals, will it be after?
“I don’t know. He trained really well, not with us, but it was on the next pitch, and then I was watching also the training. He’s feeling well. The knee is responding really well, so I don’t want to say one specific day or one week. I don’t know, but it’s near to start the training with the team. And then it depends on the rhythm of Licha, if he wins the place or not, that will depend on him, but he’s closer to return to training.”
Just on Sunday, after the game, I know you had a smile on your face, but you said the media should carry on with their narrative. Do you, does the team, feed from that, when people doubt you?
“No, what I mean is that we cannot change so much. I think they ask me about top four in the end of the question. So, I don’t want to change so much with the difference of 20 centimetres. If [Cody] Gakpo shot 20 centimetres here, the narrative would be completely different. So, I just want to maintain some calm, some direction in what we are doing. That’s what I mean. There is doubts if you are a manager in this kind of club, [and] you don’t win a lot of games, people are going to doubt you. And they have reasons for that, but my point of view is that we need to be clear on our path and not changing so much because we win one game, that’s all.”
It’s probably the first time I’ve been in a press conference since you walked through the door of Manchester United, not being asked about your system. And, obviously, it comes down to winning the last two games. I wanted to touch on Harry Maguire, on his form and how he’s turned his career around at Manchester United. That must please you a lot?
“Yes, I think it was good for him to play with the three centre-backs. I think he feels more comfortable. Because he plays in the centre, he doesn’t need to go to the side so much. So sometimes you help some players with the way you play. Sometimes, it’s the opposite with some players. So, I’m really pleased. I think he’s not young, but he can learn a lot. He can improve. I think it can be so much better with the ball, because he has that quality, and he needs to show that. Nowadays, with the set pieces that you see, the amount of men that you put in the box, every cross from the opponents, and everyone is playing like that. He’s a massive player for us, so I’m really happy, but he needs to continue. That game is in the past. That goal is in the past. Let’s move forward to the present and the future.”
