ESPN Brasil aired today an exclusive interview with Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Despite the tough result against Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League this week, the coach displayed some optimism about the team’s improvement and the Premier League campaign.
“Of course, we’re not where we would like to be,” Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told ESPN Brasil.
“We want to improve as a team. My group of players, working together and improving. I think we have shown, throughout this season, that we’re improving with each game. The last performances were very good.”
Solskjaer was asked about Brazilian left-back Alex Telles, who arrived at the club this summer, and claimed he’s brought something new to the team alongside his fellow South American Edinson Cavani.
“Many things. First, a great personality. An attitude I love in players. Work hard, never give up. When the game is finished, he’s down on his knees because he’s given everything. Which is one of the biggest things. And the quality he has. Great left-foot, good football brain, good passing.
“In combination with Edinson, we found those two can give us something different. Because of the crossing from Alex and Edinson’s movement in the box. I think they can give us that extra little thing that we missed last season. We felt we had many players with different qualities. We have, you know the forwards, Mason Greenwood, Martial, Marcus Rashford. Different types of strikers. And the fullbacks are different types of fullbacks. But the addition of these two has given us another way of playing.”
Quizzed about the best games Manchester United have been involved in so far this season, Solskjaer didn’t only go for results, but for the team’s attitude in specific matches.
“It’s so difficult. There’s been many good examples lately. When we beat PSG away, fantastic. When we beat Leipzig at home, fantastic. But then the last league games. The win against Everton, when we were under pressure. The win against Southampton now, the comeback, the attitude. These two games have really given me belief that we can keep carrying on. Because it wasn’t just about the perfect games, but it was about attitude and personality and team together as well.”
Manchester United are visiting West Ham for a Premier League match on Saturday afternoon. Then the Red Devils face some more pressure on Tuesday as they go to Germany to play RB Leipzig in the final Champions League group game.
Solskjaer’s side need a win or draw to get a place in the knockout stage.
