Erik ten Hag after defeat at Anfield: ‘Things fell apart completely, that is unacceptable’ | Foreign football

“This is a heavy blow. This should never have happened and it is completely unnecessary that it happened”, was Ten Hag’s first reaction at Viaplay. ,,The first half of us was still very reasonable, in which we could have been ahead of the rest. We make one mistake shortly before half-time and it is punished, but then there is actually nothing wrong at half-time,” said Ten Hag, who was well on his way with his team to chase Arsenal and Manchester City in the title race. After tonight’s punishment, that ambition seems to be on hold for this season.

Manchester United have played twenty games since the World Cup, winning sixteen and drawing two. After the 3-2 defeat at leader Arsenal on January 22, the second defeat in 2023 followed tonight. The 7-0 at Anfield meant Ten Hag’s biggest defeat as a coach in 481 games.

,,In the second half we give away two goals within ten minutes, whereby we absolutely fail to fulfill agreements and tasks. That was very undisciplined and then you run behind the facts. Then things fall apart. I was also surprised, because this was not the Manchester United of the last weeks, even the last months. That was a determined team, very self-confident and with a lot of character to fight back when we fell behind. I didn’t see that today. This is not acceptable, but I have not yet thought about the consequences,” said Ten Hag, who saw his team continue against FC Barcelona (Europa League) and West Ham United (FA Cup) at Old Trafford in the past two weeks. To make up.

“I now have in my head how we are going to process this match as a group. I’ve just had my say to the players in the dressing room, but I’m also curious about their story tomorrow. Finally we move on. The way is unacceptable, but if you don’t give your all this can happen. It is good that we are so pressed to the facts.”