On November 1st, Manchester United’s interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy attended a pre-match press conference for the upcoming Premier League match against Chelsea. He discussed his thoughts on Ten Hag’s departure and clearly stated that he is willing to return to his role as an assistant coach when the new manager, Amorim, arrives.
Will you continue to lead the team in the match against Chelsea?
I believe so. This is a short-term interim position, and we had very smooth communication. I am happy to take on this role.
About your current and future roles
I think in this situation, I have been asked to lead the team forward. Obviously, Ten Hag’s departure has made things difficult, and I am very disappointed. Various emotions are mixed together, but you have to shift your mindset to leading the team to victory because there are 75,000 people waiting to celebrate our win at the stadium, and millions more watching at home. We will strive for victory.
I have a very important reason for coming back (to Manchester United). I want to lead the team forward as an assistant coach and am very motivated to do other things for the team. Previously, I was an assistant coach, now I am the interim head coach, and then I will return to the assistant coach position to complete this season and beyond.
I am very motivated to stay here and help the club move forward. That is my entire goal.
The conversation with Ten Hag this week
I saw him here on Monday and spoke to him before yesterday’s game. In our conversations, I could really feel his dedication to Manchester United and his desire to lead the club forward. That’s why we continued to communicate, and his departure is heartbreaking.
Did you also talk to Ferguson?
Yes, I spoke to him, and he wished me good luck. We briefly discussed my current situation and the team’s condition, but most importantly, he wished me good luck before the game. It’s always great to talk to him.
Expectations for the team’s performance
I think the most important thing right now is to bring out the best in these players. This is a big challenge for us as a coaching staff, and the players will also push themselves forward.
After going through an entire Premier League season, we will clearly understand where the team should be positioned now and in the future. This is a huge challenge, but we all believe and must perform better than we are now.
