Here’s what he had to say in his post-match press conference on the following subjects:
on the general performance:
A really good test today, again. I think overall it's been a really positive pre-season with the tour and the club and a lot of people put a lot of effort into making it work. I think it was a success again and then the two games that we have played here as well, really competitive and really good. I think the team was exceptional, especially in the first half. There were moments where we played at the highest level and then we sort of maintained it. We dropped a little bit in the second half. The conditions were tough, but it was a good match for us as well. So overall, very pleased.
on the reception Riccardo Calafiori’s received after coming on:
I just love it. When the supporters react like that to one of our own it's great. The way you feel it straight away, it's love, he's respected and they're right behind you. That's an unbelievable platform for many players to join our club.
on the effectiveness of our set pieces:
We are constantly evolving everything we do. Today we scored from two set-pieces which was good as it gave us confidence. It gives us a platform and a different threat and worry for the opponent. We could have scored a lot of goals from a lot of different situations in the game which is really pleasing to see as well.o
on Jurrien Timber's omission:
It's fine. He's been doing some individual work, that's clear now. So we expect him to be ready to train with the group in the next week, because he has no reaction. So quite positive.
on Takehiro Tomiyasu's injury progress:
Yeah, I think it will take weeks on that one unfortunately. He's going to have to be patient and work through it because I think it's going to take a few weeks.
on the dynamic between Declan Rice and Thomas Partey:
Our top players playing together, and playing at their best, is what we’re looking for. I think today they complemented each other really well, the midfield with Martin [Odegaard] worked really well especially in the first half, so [it’s really good] as we have more alternatives and threats.
on strength in depth up front:
We will see and evaluate if there is something there to decide. At the moment, there isn’t.
on Havertz’s versatility:
He needs to be open, with the qualities and versatility that he gives to the team and the numbers that we have in midfield, he knows that [about playing in midfield]. I spoke to him – he’s very open to play in both positions, in relation to the context of the match, the result, what we need and he’s a real threat from both positions.
on if it makes a difference changing him from midfielder to striker:
I think he’s enjoying it. The more versatile he is, the more minutes he’s going to play so the players are saying: ‘I can play in another position as well.’ They all want to play! When you give them the choice, one doesn’t play as much, believe me, they’re going to pick that one.
on managing Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli’s minutes:
The same with the other players. They have to do everything they can to deserve to play as many minutes as we possibly can, and we’ll try to make the right calls and the right decisions.
on what Califiori brings to the team:
He brings a lot of versatility, because he can play in two or three different positions and especially in attack, he can occupy different spaces because he’s a real defender. When you see his presence, his physicality, how he goes to the duels, he’s unbelievable. Obviously, he’s done a lot last year and I think he’s a player that can improve us.
on setting the tone early with pressing:
Look at today with the way we started, for sure. It’s about maintaining that for 95 minutes and that’s the target and objectives that we need to have. There’s a lot of positives to take from today’s performance again.
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