When Erik ten Hag was appointed Bayern Munich II head coach he rapidly fell out with the staff’s striker. Kevin Friesenbichler grew annoyed at being ignored of the staff till he was in a position to meet Ten Hag’s exacting requirements.
The Dutchman, who will take cost of his first Manchester United recreation in opposition to Brighton on Sunday, needed to make it very clear what he wanted from his gamers to ensure that them to suit into his staff and never disrupt the dressing room.
“We had some small variations of opinion – as participant and coach – however after a few months it was good,” Friesenbichler stated. “We had an excellent relationship. If he desires to let you know one thing, if he desires to indicate you one thing tactical, he can inform it to all people to grasp completely precisely what he desires.”
Friesenbichler went on to have his finest season as Bayern II completed prime of the league in 2013-14, scoring 15 in 22 video games below Ten Hag, and so they virtually reunited at Utrecht such was the bond between them.
Ten Hag has prioritised bringing in gamers who perceive how he operates, whether it is Lisandro Martínez who performed below him at Ajax, or Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia, who have been each schooled within the Netherlands. The trio can be essential inside the dressing room to assist their teammates rise up to hurry.
They’re the membership’s solely signings to date on this window and there’s no doubt Ten Hag would love extra. However he’s a person who prides himself on bettering people – it’s the Ajax method. Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford have been two of the gamers who didn’t attain their potential final season, struggling after the frustration of the Euros to indicate their true selves in a turbulent marketing campaign. Ten Hag must construct them again up.
“Don’t look again, look ahead,” Ten Hag says. “I can see the potential with many gamers on this squad and I’m satisfied we are able to develop them. First, develop the staff after which the people will develop. Now you need to look ahead as a result of the previous you can not change; you possibly can change the longer term.”
It is going to be an evolutionary course of. United followers and gamers have to alleviate themselves of the burden earlier success has placed on the membership. Ten Hag has confirmed himself to be somebody who desires to play thrilling, attacking soccer however he’s additionally a pragmatist and is aware of United can’t go from scrapping for sixth spot to difficult for titles within the area of 12 months.
“You wish to win and also you wish to win in a sure method; so proactive, courageous, adventurous and I feel that belongs to the tradition of Manchester United and we wish to deliver it in,” he says. “However when you can’t win in a great way, in an entertaining method, you continue to should win. That’s the mentality, perspective that we herald.”
Followers are optimistic at Previous Trafford however there can be a necessity for persistence. United misplaced 4 and drew 5 at residence final season, statistics that can’t be repeated if they’re to maneuver up the desk. They are going to be required to battle in matches, at a floor that has misplaced its sense of trepidation and worry for opponents, in the event that they wish to make Previous Trafford intimidating as soon as extra.
“Me, teaching employees, gamers, we now have to do all the pieces to deliver success again on the pitch as a result of all the pieces begins on the pitch,” Ten Hag explains. “Each day on the coaching floor deliver the utmost which you can after which you’ll develop as a person and you’ll strengthen the staff.”
Followers will play their half, too. “I feel it’s clear that this stadium is supposed to deliver over a combat. I hope for good cooperation [from the fans],” Ten Hag says. “However we now have to offer the instance on the pitch. If we now have the appropriate perspective – and by that I imply giving laborious work and likewise being courageous – then the followers will prefer it and it’ll deliver the combat again.”
Even at elite degree enchancment isn’t prompt, people want time to prosper in a altering work setting below a brand new coach with new concepts however Ten Hag is a person who has the appropriate ideas to identify weaknesses and construct gamers as much as maximise potential.
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“There can be setbacks and disappointments and we must cope with it,” he says. “I do know that as a result of that’s life – a sporting life. Each membership, each staff and each supporter has to cope with it. That’s the perspective all of us want. Once you present it and you’ve got plan, in the long run you’ll obtain success. I’m 100% assured of that.”
United gamers and followers must put religion in Ten Hag’s plan being the appropriate one, even when it takes time to bear fruit.
