Erik ten Hag: ‘It’s the best a manager can get’

SUPERB SPIRIT

“It was definitely the right spirit, there is very good spirit in the team. We act as a team and fight for everything. We beat them, it was not always the best football but I think it was effective. What you see is they are really well connected with each other – also they challenge each other and, in moments, they help each other when it’s difficult. It’s great to see. I think it’s the best a manager can get.”

FIT AS FIDDLES

“If you take that into account [the Barcelona win three days before], it’s a massive perforrmance, that we can deliver this. It tells you we are physically fit, mentally fit. We have to suffer. We have to sacrifice every day to win trophies. It’s about glory and honour and, if you want to win something, you have to do it. Otherwise, you don’t get it.”

WINNERS IN THE TEAM

“I said before the game – Rapha Varane, Casemiro, David De Gea. They know how to win trophies. You need such lads on the pitch to point the team, coach the team, organise the team. Not only from a tactical perspective but also, especially, the mental perspective. It’s so important, the winning attitude. They have to bring it in the dressing room and bring it to the team. In difficult situations, they have to handle it and that’s what they did again.”