OneFootball
Phil Costa·23 December 2018
OneFootball
Phil Costa·23 December 2018
José Mourinho was sacked, Liverpool are flying, Real Madrid won some more silverware and some wonder goals flew in.
Let’s take a look at what everyone’s been saying.
On his Manchester United sacking
“I have been immensely proud to wear the badge of Manchester United since the first day I arrived, and I believe all supporters recognise this.
“Just as was the case with my previous clubs, I have worked with some wonderful people and I believe that some will be my friends for life.”
On his relationship with Mourinho
“With José, we won trophies and I want to thank him for that. Not everything worked well, but some things went well and we won trophies.
“Winning trophies makes you improve as a person as well and that’s it. That’s the past. I want to thank him for that.”
On taking over at Old Trafford
“I feel like I’m part of this club. I know the club.
“You have family, tradition, history, giving youth a chance, attacking football and winning.
“Biggest club in the world, best club in the world, best supporters in the world and we’ve got the best players in the world.
On Virgil van Dijk
“It’s been a big, big impact. We’ve all seen it.
“He’s one of the leaders. You can see it in every single game. He has proved he’s one of the best defenders in the world.”
On Club World Cup success
“This club is used to being an example.
“Although football can give you surprises, we handled it as we wanted. We do not get tired of winning.”
On his start to life at PSG
“When you look at the results, it’s almost perfect.
“We can see the progress of the team, we can feel the energy of the team. Everyone was very open to new ideas. It was nice.”
On dressing room unity at Bayern
“Niko and the team are one again.
“There have been discussions with Niko and some players, which has led a bit to the team re-joining with the coach.”
On getting things wrong
“When you win I am a genius, when you lose I am not good.”
On Arsenal and play-acting
“No-one seems to want to do anything about diving apart from me. Millions of children see it.”
On his wonder goal against Manchester City
“Having watched it back I think it was the best goal of my career.”
On who Ronaldo wanted to join
“Ronaldo told me that he only wanted to play in Juventus.
“I would say that thanks to his presence all Italian football has benefited.”
On returning to Barcelona
“I do not know what the future will hold.
“I cannot say I would not like to be a Barca coach, but I cannot say it’s something I’m thinking about.”
On Fulham’s defensive woes
“For us, every match is crucial. Every match could be good to survive or not survive.
“I need a clean sheet, I need a clean sheet, like I need bread, like I need pasta. We need to make a point in two or three matches in a row.
On flying a drone over Hoffenheim training
“We have done nothing illegal. That would go against our club principles.
“We apologise to Hoffenheim if the incident has unnerved them. This is all we have to say on the matter.”
On potentially signing Lucas Hernández
“Let’s wait and see what baby Jesus has got for us.
“I’m happy with the team – if there is one more, it will be one that brings quality.”
On rejecting huge money for Kalidou Koulibaly
“When they offer £95m for a centre-back, that is a figure that has never been offered before, it means this is a top player.”
On extending his LA Galaxy contract
“I am not finished yet with MLS. I have things to do and I see my first year as warming up.
“The second year will be a big difference because I know the league and I know my opponents more.”