Matchweek 2: every manager, every quote
The full record for Matchweek 2 of the 2026/27 season: every Premiership manager’s supplied post-match transcript, with the score each one earned for the leadership language in it. The league table, quote of the week and analysis are on the Premiership Manager Revealed page.
A note on sourcing: these quotations are reproduced from the transcript supplied for this edition. Spacing and obvious copy artefacts have been regularised for readability; the interview wording has otherwise been retained. The credited source appears beneath each manager.
Crystal Palace 1 – 4 Manchester City
Friday 28 August, Selhurst Park
Pierre Sage – Crystal Palace (home)
8/12 · Identity level fed: Belonging
I’m frustrated with the score. It’s heavy. We gave 60-65 good minutes. It’s our story for the moment.
We know we’re a bit late in our pre-season. It’s why it was 45 minutes in the last game and 65 minutes today. The bad moment is the 3-1. We came back.
We lost our hope in this situation. Before that we had a lot of chances which we missed. Against a team like this you need to be at your top. We let them put the ball in the box.
We know Erling Haaland can do good things with his head. We had a lot of opportunities and didn’t take it. Football is not about style, it’s about efficiency. and sometimes you need the points to have confidence.
Jean-Philippe Mateta was injured two days before the game. At the end of a session, individual work. It’s crazy. Maybe we’ve lost him for four weeks at least.
We were able to play 60, 65 minutes staying in the game but when I made the substitutions, the energy of the team went down and I’m a little bit angry with that. Both, because we are together and I wish my team was in every moment. I talked to the players, today we existed in this game with many chances. 3-1 was really poor because we made a tactical mistake.
We had a lot of chances and it’s difficult to level up against this kind of team.
Sage gives the defeat a time limit. Palace managed 60 to 65 good minutes because the squad is late in its pre-season, and the collapse begins at a specific point, the third goal and the loss of energy after the substitutions. He names the tactical mistake and shares the anger with his players: “Both, because we are together.” That feeds Belonging and keeps the criticism narrow. The answer still gives the players little to carry into the next match beyond greater efficiency and steadier energy.
Source: Sky Sports post-match interview, reproduced in NBC Sports live coverage, source page
Enzo Maresca – Manchester City (away)
8/12 · Identity level fed: Capability
For sure he’s happy. His performance for me was very good not just the two goals but the way he worked off the ball. When Palace had the ball, he was in charge of Adam Wharton, I think his game was a complete game on the ball and off the ball. Probably he was not playing at his level in the first half.
But we were happy with his performance off the ball. Then second half he scored twice and for sure he’s much more happy. First of all, he loves football. So that makes it easier to work with him.
Rayan is like this, we know how good he is. We know the quality that he has. In this moment, he is helping the team with the numbers in term of goals and assists and no doubt he’s going to help more in the future. He’s helping us.
He’s going to help us in the future. We know he is a quality player. Rayan was very, very good off the ball. He was in control of [Adam] Wharton.
He was impressive last week against Bournemouth as a midfielder and tonight as a central defender. It’s what we need. He is a player who has an open mind and can be versatile and try to help the team. His performance tonight was very good.
We’ll see we have 2 or 3 days for the transfer window and then to decide for the captains, we will see.
Maresca spends most of the answer naming qualities in individuals. Haaland works without the ball, Cherki loves football and has the quality to help the team, and Guéhi has the open mind to play in more than one position. Those are credible SQAs and they feed Capability. The win itself receives less attention, and there is little about the group’s next piece of work, so the score stops at eight.
Source: BBC Sport post-match interview, via Yahoo Sports, source page
Liverpool 2 – 2 Nottingham Forest
Saturday 29 August, Anfield
Andoni Iraola – Liverpool (home)
8/12 · Identity level fed: Capability
On the result and how he saw the game:
I think it has been quite clear, the first half has been poor from our side. I think we haven’t been good enough, we haven’t controlled the game and afterwards we improved a lot in the second half. We were much more intense, much quicker on the ball with more sense of urgency, and I think that we have been much better. But it hasn’t been enough to win the game, and I think we have to blame the first half that we’ve done.
On whether he is frustrated with the draw:
Yes. I’m frustrated because we want to win – especially at home. It’s not a good result to draw at home. It’s true that we’ve come back from two results where we were losing, like the other day against Newcastle.
But at the end what makes the difference are the wins and the three points. I like what we’ve done in the second half, but we haven’t been able to complete the comeback and the point. It leaves you frustrated, yes.
On Forest’s penalty and the delayed substitutions:
Yes, I cannot explain because I don’t have explanation. I wanted to make those three subs like three minutes before. And there have been two, three or four times I think the ball has gone out and I still don’t know the reason why we haven’t made the subs. I think definitely he was having some problems with the board or something.
[It] would have happened, definitely. You stop [the game] because you want to sub [but] it doesn’t happen. The quick throw-in, because we are waiting for the subs, so if I ask for the sub, and I already asked and I complained even the previous time that the ball went out and everyone was – even the supporters, I think they were shouting – aware of the situation, but I don’t know the reason why they haven’t done it.
And the penalty, I leave you to decide if it’s a penalty or not.
On Víctor Muñoz:
I think Victor has been very good [in] both games. I like that sometimes he hasn’t taken the best decisions, has sometimes made some fouls and everything hasn’t been perfect but he’s continued trying all the time. He’s gone again and again and I like this a lot from the wingers. The other day he contributed with the penalty and today with the goal.
I think he has been always a threat. And also defensively he has helped us a lot, so I’m happy with him, yes.
On Florian Wirtz:
Yes, accepting and assuming that it has been a poor first half, we’ve also been very unlucky, you know, because their goal, I thought honestly like it looked offside [in real time] then there is a heel of someone [playing them onside]. Then there’s the VAR decision, the goal from Florian, even I think Forest was not complaining. We were not really aware and then there is a VAR decision that goes against you.
It would have been lovely for us and for Florian to score the goal and it’s still the first half and it’s 1-1. Obviously it leaves you in a much better position for the second half. In the second goal also he does very well. He does very, very well.
Florian is very good. I trust him a lot. I think we have to find the best way to use him. I think his position from my side is quite clear and the more he plays with us I think the better he will be.
I have very little doubt.
On the transfer window:
I cannot tell you anything different right now. It’s true that there are things going on, like is normal because we are talking about the last weeks of the market, but now we have to wait. I’m looking forward to having the squad [on] September 2, [so we can say] this is who we are and working with certainties. Now everything is quite like uncertain and it’s the same for every team, but it’s how the competition works.
Now we have to wait just some [more] days and work with what we have after the market closes.
On Cody Gakpo and the right wing:
With the wingers, obviously normally they have a preferred position, but we normally analyse the match-ups, analyse what they have to do on one side, what they need to do on the other side. We decided with Rio [Ngumoha] and Victor to change them at the end. I think they have to get used [to that]. I think he [Gakpo] was going to be one of the subs when we scored the goal, he made a great play and then we were creating momentum.
I decided to leave them a little bit more – three, four minutes – to see if we could use this momentum to score a second one. When it went a little bit more plain, we decided to do those subs. That goal and the other one were, I think, very good goals.
On starting games quicker:
I think what we do without the ball affects a lot after our play in possession. I think in the first half we were being passive without the ball, leaving a lot of distance, leaving them joining some passes, becoming a little bit comfortable. After we improved this and that matter of intensity, being closer to the opposition gives you the chance to win duels and then you start attacking quicker, attacking better.
This lack of intensity without the ball I think has hurt us and also we’ve had issues today with the throw-ins. Not only the long throw-in, just the throw-ins because the first ball comes from a throw-in [that] we don’t defend well in the right side after there is a long throw-in and after comes, obviously the second goal comes from that situation.
On whether the squad is equipped for his ambitions:
We are talking now about the hypothesis because we don’t know what’s going to be the squad on September 2. I think every analysis that I can make is when I know and when everything finishes, when I know who’s going to be here all the season or at least until January. So now, we’ve waited all the summer, so we have to wait two, three more days, analyse and see what we have when the market closes.
Iraola gives a detailed account of the poor first half and the changes in intensity, distance and urgency that improved the second. Muñoz receives credit for persistence and Wirtz is told the manager trusts him. The squad answer pulls in the opposite direction. Iraola waits for the window to close before saying “this is who we are”, which suggests the players already there are not yet a group he is willing to back. The first-half criticism is not clearly made Narrow or Fleeting, and no lasting team SQA is set against it. The tactical path is useful; the belief underneath it is much less secure.
Source: Liverpool FC, full post-match press conference, source page
Oliver Glasner – Nottingham Forest (away)
12/12 · Identity level fed: Capability & Purpose
I think we all have the same feeling, proud of the performance, proud of how many chances we created and proud of the reaction after we conceded the equaliser. On the other side, we’re all a little bit disappointed we couldn’t get the win. I think this shows how good we performed, how well we played. Overall, a very good performance.
I could see our tactical shape work well in many parts but after 60-65 minutes, the level drops a little bit. Which shows we everything is not 100% settled, it can’t be after six or seven weeks together. Also, we conceded the same goal more or less, in the same area. We opened the middle and we know Liverpool always tries to pass into these gaps.
Many of these situations, we avoided but in these two situations, it was the wrong behaviour and then you get punished when you play here at Anfield. What I loved most was how we played forward and created the chances, especially in the first half. I think we should have led by more than one goal. But again, it’s still the beginning of the season.
The beginning of the journey and this performance will give us confidence. I always hope the next time it will go quicker but, again, we could see many positive aspects. Many things that should and will give us confidence but it’s important to stay humble and keep working hard. I am [hopeful of new signings].
The club are working hard before closed doors, I’m confident we will have two signings. We have Liam [Delap] in and hopefully one more, potentially two. The club is doing a great job, working hard. We have another new start, integrating new players.
Glasner is proud of the performance and disappointed with the result, and he explains both. Forest created chances, reacted after the equaliser and made their tactical shape work, then lost their level after 60 to 65 minutes and repeated the wrong behaviour in the middle of the pitch. He describes this as the beginning of a journey, asks the players to stay humble and keep working, and treats the performance as evidence they can use. Every part of the Elevate Formula is present.
Source: Sky Sports post-match interview, source page
AFC Bournemouth 1 – 1 Everton
Saturday 29 August, Vitality Stadium
Marco Rose – AFC Bournemouth (home)
9/12 · Identity level fed: Belonging
It was mostly about the result, but as a coach you evaluate the performance as well and in most phases of the game it was really good. It was a quite open game, quite up and down. We can get better in some parts of the game. It was not even a set piece for the goal because we had already cleared the situation, but I don’t want to blame anyone because I saw so many positive things.
I am really thankful for the warm welcome and I really appreciate to be coach of this team. It was a really nice feeling to coach this game. Like last week, we would like to present our fans with a win, but we will have to wait one more week.
Rose separates the late result from the performance he watched. Bournemouth were good through most phases, there are parts to improve, and he refuses to make the equaliser one person’s fault because he saw too many positive things. His warmth towards the players and supporters feeds Belonging. The SQAs and the next step remain broad, which keeps a strong draw interview at nine.
Source: BBC Sport post-match interview, via Yahoo Sports, source page
David Moyes – Everton (away)
4/12 · Identity level fed: Safety
All in all I’m disappointed with the performance. I didn’t think a goal was coming. We stuck at it, resilient, we were good away from last season so hopefully we can keep it going. We needed somebody to come up with something.
We did some amazing blocks late in the game. Pleased with a point. Might want the transfer window left open so we can get a few more players in! It closes Tuesday, let’s see what happens.
I have said we could do with strengthening and hopefully we can do that. We have a good basis. Let’s hope we can build on it. I don’t think we can afford to lose any players, certainly not our better ones.
The club dictates a lot of that and we will see how the next few days go.
Moyes begins disappointed with the performance and ends pleased that Everton escaped with a point. The resilience and late blocks are mentioned in the context of avoiding defeat, rather than as lasting qualities that build confidence. His transfer comments make the problem wider. Everton need strengthening, cannot afford to lose their better players and must wait to see what the club does. The players receive little belief, no clear internal path and a strong suggestion that the squad is not good enough as it stands.
Source: BBC Match of the Day interview, via Yahoo Sports, source page
Coventry City 0 – 1 Hull City
Saturday 29 August, CBS Arena
Frank Lampard – Coventry City (home)
10/12 · Identity level fed: Capability
For a game we controlled a lot of the possession we were too slow with it. Against a back five and a team who want to slow you down. We created more problems than Manchester United did, but it wasn’t like us. Normally we’re more aggressive.
There’s some serious lessons to learn. [Missing] Quality as well. You have to work towards quality. It was too much slow play from us.
It’s hard against a back five. When you cross they have players to deal with it. The Premier League brings it with feeling around it, it’s a step up. It’s a mental side for the players – I want them to get over it.
They have to get to grips with it. We have to get there quickly. You talk about experience but it’s moments on the pitch. The counter attack [goal] was our corner, you have to stop it by any means.
Those details are crucial. This season was always going to be very different to last season but I sensed a bit of edge, that quality of pass and playing safe rather than play forward. Maybe that is apprehension. I don’t like the excuse of it.
Last week that was valid because of the level of opposition, the occasion, 25 years out and a lot of debuts. We shouldn’t use it as an excuse today. It’s a game against a team we played twice last year and we finished a lot of points above them. The Premier League gives that edge and we will have to get used to that and quickly.
The lesson is don’t expect anything in the Premier League. It depends how much you want it to be (a mental blow). There are 36 games left, we’re two games in. It depends how you want to react to defeats.
Lampard names the behaviour he disliked: slow possession, safe passing and a failure to stop the counter-attack. Calling it “not like us” makes the performance Other, outside the team’s normal Identity, and “normally we’re more aggressive” reminds the players of the standard they already hold. He refuses to keep using promotion and the level of the league as excuses, says there are 36 matches left and challenges the players to decide how they react. The criticism is strong, while the framing and challenge protect their Capability.
Source: BBC Sport post-match interview, via Yahoo Sports, source page
Sergej Jakirović – Hull City (away)
11/12 · Identity level fed: Capability & Purpose
The team played a good game. They tried to overload our right side. Some changes at half-time, we had some good counter-attacks. We needed better decisions.
Second half, a lot of crosses came into our box and we controlled everything there. In the end I’m very pleased. Two games, six points – not bad. As their home game they tried to put some more risk on the pitch.
Frank tried with the subs. At half-time we had problems [with fitness and injury]. We knew they would put more and more risk and there would be big space behind the back and we used that. He also struggled with some moments because he didn’t pass all of pre-season.
He played good. He’s a good young player and we can improve him. It’s great experience for him. We will grow every game.
It’s a new experience for us, even for me. We will try to improve some things and maybe play even better.
Jakirović enjoys six points without making them sound final. He explains the half-time changes, the space Coventry left and the way Hull controlled the crosses into their box. He gives a young player room to improve after a disrupted pre-season and says the whole team will grow with every game. The adversity framing is lighter than the rest of the answer, while the direction and collective belief are clear.
Source: BBC Sport post-match interview, via Yahoo Sports, source page
Tottenham Hotspur 0 – 2 Newcastle United
Saturday 29 August, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Roberto De Zerbi – Tottenham Hotspur (home)
4/12 · Identity level fed: Purpose
Disappointed for the result because until the first goal we conceded I think we played better than Newcastle. We lost ball possession in the first half because we didn’t defend in the right way, the distance between the defenders and attackers was too big. We can improve in the defensive phases but today was an unfair result. At the beginning of the second half we had some chance to create the potential chances.
We created many chances to score, we have to improve the last decision, because that will make a difference. At the end we are disappointed for the result and our fans. We are working to be a great team. When we become a team I think we can change the story of the last two seasons for Tottenham.
We are working to be good on the pitch, if you believe in work and training then you have to improve day by day.
De Zerbi says Tottenham played better until the first goal, then spends the answer on defensive distances, missed decisions and improvement. He names no specific SQA and gives the players no present evidence that they can become the great team he describes. Even the positive Identity is conditional: when they become a team, they may change the story of the previous two seasons. Work and training are offered as a general route, without saying that this group already works hard or has the qualities required. Calling the result unfair also reduces the credit given to Newcastle.
Source: Tottenham Hotspur, post-match press conference, source page
Matthias Jaissle – Newcastle United (away)
12/12 · Identity level fed: Belonging & Purpose
Incredible. Really proud, we are really proud as a club and coaching staff to see the team delivering on the pitch and also seeing players committed to what we are doing. Proud and a moment to enjoy. We did well also last week.
It was a step in the right direction again with a strong opponent, huge signings. The way we handled the opponent was amazing. It is always the same as a coach, you try to emphasise where you can stretch the opponent and find gaps. We tried to keep our principles.
The DNA of Newcastle is a good fit to the playing style I like to see so therefore we saw already in the past similarities. I am happy that you somehow think I am smart. When he has the ball he has a good timing, when to deliver and also when to slow down the game. A really good debut.
I don’t take the compliments yet. I try just to encourage them, motivate them and support them, not only those two but the whole squad. I am really happy to see the improvement. It means a lot.
I just said to the lads in the locker room we can count now our defensive stability. The clean sheet today was a big goal. We have ambitions, we know what is needed. The squad is strong but there are still a couple of days left then we can talk again.
In the first half, we didn’t play a really good game, but we could really count on everyone throwing everything into every ball and every cross. It is a good start – we are really, really proud.
Jaissle lets Newcastle enjoy the win and keeps pointing back to the group. He names commitment, defensive stability, shared principles and the club’s DNA, then admits the first half was below their best and praises everyone for attacking every ball and cross. The clean sheet becomes a standard they can count on. Pride, humility and the next piece of work all sit together.
Source: Post-match broadcaster interview, via Yahoo Sports, source page
Chelsea 4 – 3 Brighton & Hove Albion
Sunday 30 August, Stamford Bridge
Xabi Alonso – Chelsea (home)
10/12 · Identity level fed: Capability
Hard fought win but this is the Premier League. We knew that Brighton were tough to beat recently in these games. There was history. It was good to finish with the win but many things happened.
We will have time to analyse different stages. It was a brilliant first half hour. We could have scored more than three. But we were sitting too deep after that.
But this is a process. We need to develop with these wins which give you the confidence. All the wins I enjoy a lot, but it was a game that in different moments had different feelings. In the end, we’re happy with the result.
We value this win against a very good opponent who have been tough in the last few years. We are happy with that, and there are things and moments that we have done well, but it’s a process to keep on learning and improving. Usually, that is easier with a win. He has been terrific in all the games he has played this season and also the pre-season.
He has the desire to play each game 100% and have a terrific season. We need to help him but it’s important he has this hunger to do it. It’s great to have him. We saw that even today.
Even if we conceded three goals, he had a straight impact and he helped the team really well. We are happy we have him. He is a great personality and a great goalkeeper. His expression and his charisma influence the rest of the team.
I am happy with his first impact. He has been in the building for 48 hours so now we will have the whole week to prepare for the next one and day by day we will feel his presence because he has this charisma, this aura to influence and to have a very positive connection with the rest of the team. No, I would say it is quite normal. It happens in many teams, other teams that they have already worked for and they are together and they have more games together.
We will see what happens. We are ready for whatever. Most important is the team. And however we finish on Tuesday, I am happy it will be a good squad to compete this season.
He was cautious to stop and say his feeling wasn’t the best. We need to assess during the week, but it wasn’t something new.
Alonso enjoys a difficult win and keeps it inside the development of the team. He praises the first half hour, admits Chelsea sat too deep, and says victories give the squad confidence while they learn. His descriptions of hunger, charisma and personality give individual players credible SQAs. The collective identity and adversity framing are present more lightly, so a thoughtful winner’s answer earns ten.
Source: BBC Match of the Day interview, via Yahoo Sports, source page
Fabian Hürzeler – Brighton & Hove Albion (away)
12/12 · Identity level fed: Capability & Purpose
Frustrating part is that we controlled the game, scored three goals away and had lot of chances but we lost. We didn’t find the right balance between controlling the game and being good defensively. It was small margins and Chelsea had so much quality to punish us. Frustrating but a lot of positives to take away as well.
We came here to win the game and the boys showed that attitude even at 3-0 down. We will get stronger because of this game and we can make the next step in our development. We are usually brilliant in the basics. We will analyse it.
He had an impressive performance today. He showed attitude and personality at a tough place to go. In the end, we would have been more happy if we could take points away from this game. But it’s important to emphasise these kind of performances.
He had a small issue with his ankle. Hopefully he will be back next weekend. Let’s see what happens in the window.
Hürzeler loses after scoring three away goals and still gives his players a useful account of the afternoon. Brighton controlled long periods and kept their intent at three nil down, while the balance between control and defending, the small margins and the basics cost them. He names attitude and personality, says the team will become stronger through the game, and promises to analyse the details. The defeat stays narrow and the capability stays with the players.
Source: Brighton & Hove Albion club interview, source page
Leeds United 1 – 1 Brentford
Sunday 30 August, Elland Road
Daniel Farke – Leeds United (home)
12/12 · Identity level fed: Capability & Purpose
I am proud of my players and I have to give them lots of compliments. We faced a red-hot form Brentford side. I am proud of my players as I asked a lot of them today, we changed formation for the second half, got control and lost control, changed the formation again and got the goal and pushed for the winner. A brilliant, excellent Brentford side and pleased to have reduced them to just one goal and we found a way back into the game.
You can have an idea but all credit to the players to go and deliver that. To play a really good long season it is good for the confidence and good for the mood – we know we can be flexible and tweak things and change the formation even during the game a few times to find the solution. The players are buying in and ready to deliver. In the end it was a precious point.
Farke explains how Leeds changed shape, lost control, changed again and found the equaliser. The idea belonged to the coaches and the delivery belonged to the players. He names flexibility, confidence and the willingness to carry out a plan as qualities the team can use across a long season. Calling the point precious keeps the draw in proportion while the language points firmly towards the next solution.
Source: Leeds United club interview, source page
Keith Andrews – Brentford (away)
12/12 · Identity level fed: Capability & Esteem
I thought first half we were magnificent. We got the lead and possibly could be more but we knew there would be changes. We couldn’t play out through those chaotic stages. It shows where we are at that we are disappointed coming away from Elland Road with a draw.
We laid some really solid foundations last season that we want to build upon and it has been a good start to the season. We looked very calm and confident in the first half. Never underestimate Daniel Farke – the way he sets up the team and the type of players Leeds have – they are very honest bunch. Slightly disappointing to come away with a point but we will probably look back on it and think it is a good point.
We are growing all the time.
Andrews calls Brentford magnificent in the first half and names the calm and confidence that came from last season’s foundations. He credits Leeds and Daniel Farke, then says the disappointment at drawing away from Elland Road shows where Brentford now are. That is a strong compliment to the team’s Capability and Esteem. “We are growing all the time” is enough direction for this interview because it connects the point to an existing process the players already understand.
Source: Sky Sports post-match interview, source page
Sunderland 1 – 0 Fulham
Sunday 30 August, Stadium of Light
Régis Le Bris – Sunderland (home)
12/12 · Identity level fed: Purpose & Capability
It’s good to be back at home and win again. The Premier League is really demanding and we faced a really good team. The lads did really well to manage their threat and create opportunities up the other side. The first one was about being really clinical.
I think the movement was really good. The second one was really good. In this league you cannot miss two in a row. Nordi [Mukiele] is a really good player.
He can play in two positions and he is so important for the squad. It’s the case for every team. If you don’t start well, then you start to overthink. We had the exact same start last season with one win at home and one defeat.
It’s a new season, so a new chapter to write. Life is unpredictable, football is unpredictable but at least you can control your standards and the standards today were high. The main point is that we kept the core of the squad. I’m really pleased with that.
If we can reinforce the squad, then we will. We are working hard behind the scenes.
Le Bris gives the win a clear cause. Sunderland managed Fulham’s threat, created chances, moved well and were clinical when the moment came. Then he says the line that carries the answer: football is unpredictable, but standards are controllable, and Sunderland’s were high. That frames uncertainty as Fleeting and Other while the team’s standards remain Self and Lasting. His transfer answer protects the squad as well. Keeping the core is the main point, and further recruitment is presented as reinforcement rather than rescue.
Source: BBC Match of the Day interview, via Yahoo Sports, source page
Álvaro Arbeloa – Fulham (away)
3/12 · Identity level fed: Purpose
It was a tough game for us. We didn’t deserve it. In the second half, the first 20 minutes, we were at a level where we can play football with that energy and focus and the quality we want. Sunderland were better for many minutes.
We need to improve many things, especially the energy and the attitude. If you want to come here and play like you want to play, then you need to have the mentality. It’s not easy but we are a new team with new ideas. We will improve with time.
We will have ups and downs. We need to realise we need to show more energy and fight for every ball. Chelsea is a very tough team but when you face a team like that in your stadium, the motivation is high. You have to do it every single week, we know that.
We didn’t even fight, we didn’t run, poor technical level. We were not in the game. Against Chelsea at home, it’s easy to run and fight but you have to do it every game. It’s about the character, the mentality, and ambition.
We didn’t win any second balls. We want to be competitive, it’s the most important thing for a team. We were not at our level – we need to show something more. It is a target for my team.
Some days we will play as bad as today but that means you have to run, fight, and be narrow. We are working on it with the club. We know we have two days so we are working because we can do with the squad being stronger and more balanced.
Arbeloa is clear about the standard he wants: energy, second balls, running, fighting and a narrow shape when the football is poor. That is the useful part of the answer. Everything around it attacks the players’ Identity. “We didn’t even fight, we didn’t run” becomes a judgement about character, mentality and ambition, with no SQA to remind the group what they can rely on. Sunderland receive little credit and the current squad is again linked to the need for reinforcements. The path is specific, while the language gives the players very little belief that they can follow it.
Source: Sky Sports post-match interview, source page
Manchester United 5 – 2 Ipswich Town
Sunday 30 August, Old Trafford
Michael Carrick – Manchester United (home)
9/12 · Identity level fed: Capability & Esteem
It was a good win, a really good win in the end. We played some good football. The biggest thing from today really was the mentality of the boys to overcome setbacks. It depends how you deal with them, how quickly you deal with them.
We had one last week and we had a little one today, and I was really pleased with the way the boys responded. It’s easy to look at the result and say about the performance, but the mentality and the belief of the boys really pleased me. I thought he was pretty much all-around very, very good for a first start back. You know, we kind of managed him a little bit, and we’ve got good midfielders, so it’s that trying to make the best of the combinations.
But I thought Kobbie was immense in the middle of the pitch for us and underpinned the performance of the team. He showed his quality today. Through the middle of the pitch Bruno, Youri (Tielemans), Kobbie (Mainoo) and Matheus (Cunha) played some really good football. We relied on that a bit today with the way we played.
Then Bruno did what he’s good at. He’s had a big week winning awards and bouncing back from last weekend. Bruno with three goals today, a fantastic performance. What else can I say?
He means a lot. I mean, he’s the captain. He’s been here for a good number of years now and experienced a whole load of different emotions. Times like today, when you’re looking towards certain players to give us that little bit of something else, he did particularly well.
It’s difficult to say when so little time left. The business we’ve managed to do, I’m pleased with. I think we’re a better group, potentially better team. We’re open to if there’s something else to add.
I wouldn’t shut that down, we’ll have to wait and see.
Carrick looks beyond five goals and puts the win on mentality, belief and the speed of the response to setbacks. He calls Mainoo immense, praises the midfield and recognises Fernandes as the captain who supplied something extra. The praise is real and specific. It is also uneven. Saying Mainoo underpinned the team, that United relied on the midfield and that certain players had to provide something extra can imply that others were being carried. The interview builds the Capability and Esteem of individuals more strongly than the Identity of the whole group, and it leaves the next step unclear.
Source: Sky Sports post-match interview, source page
Gary O’Neil – Ipswich Town (away)
8/12 · Identity level fed: Safety
Really unlucky to be 2-1 down, really unlucky – two of the most unlucky goals you will see, but then not good enough to get back into it. We got punished by a very good side. To beat Manchester United at Old Trafford you need the moments to go in your favour and they didn’t. Rules can go against you, or a deflection, there are lots of things that can happen in a game that are beyond your control.
It is a complicated rule – handball if it’s the goal scorer but not if it takes a deflection and was heading off the target. I think that is tough for a referee. But no problem. I’m not here to moan about refs.
We get no points, at Old Trafford a lot of people leave with no points but we leave with an understanding of where to get better. We have three points from two tough games. A good start for us. It is the Premier League, the lads understand there will be highs and lows.
We don’t want there to be too many lows but the lads are fine in there. They understand.
O’Neil calls the two decisive goals unlucky and spends much of the answer on moments beyond Ipswich’s control. He does stop himself from blaming the referee, credits Manchester United and says the team leave with an understanding of where to improve. The setback is Fleeting and Other, which protects Safety, but he names no clear SQA and gives the players no usable next action. They hear why the result happened more clearly than what they can do about it.
Source: Sky Sports post-match interview, source page
Carried forward
Aston Villa v Arsenal, Monday 31 August at Villa Park. A Monday evening kick-off, so Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta are assessed in the following edition.
