Manchester United coach Eric Ten Hag said he slept well after making the big decision to exclude Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo from the starting lineup for his match against Liverpool, early this season at Old Trafford, and the owners of the land won 2-1 in that confrontation. .
That first match was the beginning of the spark that the “Don” used to burn bridges with the club that was the reason for its stardom.
When asked about the decision to exclude Ronaldo from the starting line-up, the coach said, "I think a lot before making such big decisions ... I should have looked at the impact it had, not only in the short term, but also in the long term."
He continued, "You always have to think strategically as a technical director, and be ready to face the consequences. I am aware of that, but this is my job and my responsibility."
Regarding his concern - at the time - about the reactions of the "Maneo" fans who love the "Madeira missile", the Dutch coach said that "I had reasons to choose this team against Liverpool. They were clear reasons. And I knew the reactions if the result was negative, which is always possible." in soccer".
"There was a lack of discipline," Ten Hag revealed. "Big players like to act as they want, not just on the pitch, so you need some rules. I think it's obvious in every organization or team that if there are no rules and order... "And the consequences of those rules not being taken seriously, and things getting messy. It was quite clear what was needed, because I could see what was going on on the pitch."
The “Red Devils” are guests of the “Reds” at Anfield, and while Manchester ranks third with 49 points from 24 matches, Liverpool enters the match and is in sixth place with 39 points from 24 matches.
Manchester United developed with the Dutch coach at all levels, winning his first title in 6 years, which is the English League Cup, and qualified for the European League and FA Cup finals.