Erik ten Hag Reflects on Team Spirit After Barnsley Win: "Antony Needed Confidence"
**Manchester United** manager **Erik ten Hag** delivered some grounded insights following his teams recent victory over **Barnsley**, emphasizing the importance of unity and confidence-building within the squad. Despite the win, Ten Hag remained level-headed, underscoring that his emotions after games dont fluctuate wildly based on single results.
### **Maintaining Perspective After Games**
Reflecting on Manchester Uniteds tumultuous start to the season, Ten Hag offered a calm perspective on the contrasting emotions following matches. In particular, he drew attention to the need for balance, whether after a defeat or a victory. The manager highlighted the recent **Liverpool** defeat and the **Barnsley** win as examples of how results, while significant, shouldnt dictate the overall mood within the club.
**I was not devastated after Liverpool, Im not celebrating after Barnsley,** Ten Hag remarked, signaling his composure amidst the highs and lows of football. His approach reflects the mentality of a coach who looks at the bigger picture, keeping his squad focused on continuous improvement rather than dwelling too much on individual results.
### **Antonys Confidence Boost**
One of the key talking points in Ten Hags post-match comments was about **Antony**, the Brazilian winger who has been striving to find his form since arriving at **Manchester United**. Ten Hag recognized that the winger needed a confidence boost, especially after facing criticism earlier in the season for his performances.
During the match against Barnsley, a key moment occurred when **Marcus Rashford** decided to pass up an opportunity to take a penalty and instead allowed Antony to step up to the spot. This gesture wasnt just about scoring a goal; it was about building confidence within the team and providing support to a teammate who needed it most.
Ten Hag acknowledged this moment, praising Rashfords decision: **Antony needed confidence and Rashford gave him the penalty. They are together.** This act demonstrated the unity within the squad, with Rashford, as one of the teams leaders, showing his trust in Antony to handle the pressure of taking the penalty.
Antonys successful conversion of the penalty was a significant moment, potentially marking a turning point in his season. For Ten Hag, this was a display of the togetherness that he has been working to foster in his squad, and it also highlighted how individual moments can be pivotal in shaping a players mentality.
### **Team Spirit and Leadership**
Ten Hags comments on the incident underscore his belief in collective responsibility and leadership within the squad. By allowing Antony to take the penalty, Rashford showcased his maturity and understanding of the needs of his teammates. The gesture reflects the kind of leadership that Ten Hag wants to see on the field, where players look out for one another and take actions that benefit the team as a whole.
This unity is crucial, especially as **Manchester United** navigates through a challenging season. With injuries, new players settling in, and the demands of multiple competitions, Ten Hag knows that maintaining a strong team spirit is essential for long-term success. Rashfords selflessness in passing up the penalty opportunity is just one example of how the players are buying into this collective mentality.
### **Looking Ahead**
As **Manchester United** move forward, Ten Hags focus will remain on building confidence and cohesion within his squad. While victories like the one against Barnsley are important, he understands that the process of developing a winning team is ongoing. The managers steady approach will be key in navigating the challenges ahead, especially as the team looks to compete on multiple fronts.
The decision to highlight Antonys confidence and Rashfords leadership speaks to Ten Hags management style. He recognizes that football is as much about the mental aspects as it is about tactics and results. By fostering an environment where players support one another and prioritize the team over individual accolades, Ten Hag is working to build a resilient and cohesive squad that can weather any storm.
### **Conclusion**
Erik ten Hags post-match comments after **Manchester United**s win against Barnsley provided a glimpse into his philosophy as a manager. While he maintains perspective after both victories and defeats, his emphasis on team unity and confidence-building is clear. Antonys successful penalty, thanks to Rashfords generosity, is a moment that encapsulates Ten Hags belief in togetherness within the squad. As Manchester United continue their campaign, this sense of unity will be vital in overcoming the challenges that lie ahead.
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