As It Happened: Pre-Match Press Conference (Stoke: A)
Welcome to our live blog! Below, we will bring you updates from Louis van Gaal’s press conference as United prepare to visit Stoke on Boxing Day.
The Dutchman could be in for a nervous Christmas dinner, with reports that he has just two games to save his job fairly abundant across social media.
With just four wins in their last fifteen games, United need to act fast to turn their season around; be that through simply improved performances heading into the new year, or starting 2016 with a new manager is anyone’s guess.
Whilst at Barcelona, Louis van Gaal waited until his pre-match press conference to personally resign from his post as manager – we’re not expecting that to happen today, but football’s a funny old sport at times…
Well, Van Gaal definitely provided a bit of entertainment for us today!
Let’s hope to see his United side do the same thing at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon!
That concludes the live blog, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for all of our pre-match content today and tomorrow!
Ogden on LvG saying he has the club’s support: “Well great… let’s see it on the pitch!”
Ogden: “You can’t be at Man Utd and lose three successive games, especially to opponents like Norwich and Bournemouth and expect not to be under pressure”
Ogden: “It [press conference] was an interesting performance”
Mark Ogden’s got some words now…
… he told MUTV that Matteo Darmian might be fit for the Chelsea game – but it appears there are no changes to be made before the Boxing Day game against Stoke.
So we got nothing injury-wise from Louis van Gaal, but he did talk to MUTV.
Well… That press conference lasted less than five minutes – and the boss is not a happy man. He feels personally victimized by the media; but he insists that he has the support of everyone at the club.
LvG: “I wish you a Merry Christmas – and maybe a Happy New Year when I see you next time. Enjoy the wine and maybe the mince pies. Goodbye”
LvG: “I only say now that I am focused on Stoke City”
LvG: “4 weeks ago, we were top of the Premier League. In another 4 weeks, we can be back in that position”
LvG: “I have tried to boost the confidence of the club. I have held a Christmas lunch – and I feel the warmth and the support at the AoN Training Complex”
LvG: “I am here only because of the Premier League rules. I have to talk to you. And you can only write my words in your context”
LvG: “They have called me… many times… Do you think I want to talk to the media?”
“Arsene Wenger has said the speculation about your future is disrespectful – do you agree?”
Louis van Gaal: “Does anyone in this room want to apologise to me? No, nobody has that feeling? I have read that I have been sacked, my colleague was here already…. What do you think that happens with my wife? Or with my kids? Or with my grandchildren? Or the fans of Manchester United? Or my friends? What do you think?”
Let’s play a game… How many times will Louis van Gaal say “philosphy” in this press conference?
I’ll go with 2.
Just a few minutes away now. Let’s hope for some more good news on the injury front!
Some national press have been suggesting that Juan Mata and Ander Herrera are unhappy with Louis van Gaal as manager and may seek a way out of the club if he stays on for too much longer… Will he address that in the press conference? Knowing Louis, probably not.
What’s your opinion on the managerial situation at United?
Van Gaal, Mourinho, Guardiola, Simeone, Giggs?
What’s your preference? Tweet us @ReadManUtd!
Welcome to our live blog! We’ll bring you updates from Louis van Gaal’s pre-match press conference from 4pm.