2 years ago
When asked if Manchester United can win the Champions League, Ralf Rangnick responds in the affirmative.
Ralf Rangnick will take charge of Manchester United's first Champions League game under no duress. The Red Devils advanced to the knockout stages with one game remaining.
There is very little realism in United Press coverage. The team is either facing a crisis or fantasizing about a glorious future. For the time being, it is the latter.
In his second pre-match press conference as interim manager, Rangnick was asked if he could lead United to Champions League glory.
It was pointed out that his compatriot Thomas Tuchel, who joined Chelsea in December, was able to do so last season. While this shows that it is certainly possible, Rangnick dismissed United's chances.
Rangnick told the club's website, "I think it's too early now, having only been here for a week with the team, having played one game, I think it's too early." But, obviously, with a club like Manchester United, we want to be as successful as possible in all competitions, regardless of which one. " For me, it's critical that we continue to develop the team, that we continue to apply defensive processes, and that we fine-tune our collective defending."
Rangnick, of course, will want to win every competition he enters, and the team has already qualified for the knockout round.
However, he wisely downplays suggestions that the team can go all the way, reminding everyone that he has only been on the job for a week.
A younger, more arrogant manager might have come in and set the lofty goal of publicly attempting to win the trophy. That is almost always a bad idea.
United has the talent to reach the final, but there are so many unknowns and potential stumbling blocks at this early stage of the competition.
The knockout games will resume in February, by which time United's players will have had two months of training under Rangnick rather than two days, and he may have even purchased a player or two.
If you ask Rangnick the same question again next year, he'll probably give you the same answer, but he'll be a little more confident in the team.
His response was notable for focusing on United's defense, which has been a major source of concern this season. United has the attacking depth, but an abysmal backline and a shaky midfield have let them down.
The new boss arrived over the weekend and immediately made a positive impact, which he expects to continue.
"Six months, no clean sheet in your own stadium, for me it was clear where the priorities should be and how we should develop the team in the next couple of weeks," Rangnick continued. I'm also aware that, in the end, success means playing in the Champions League next season, as well as winning the FA Cup and the Champions League."
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