How important was that win?
Yeah it was a big win. After the defeat vs Liverpool but the performance that we had we wanted to come here and play well first which we did and get the three points. We wanted to keep the momentum going and showed a lot of personality to come and play, the way we dominated the game and to come away with the win at the end.
You spoke a lot about the fixture schedule but it didn’t really show did it?
Yes but I said the players would be ready 100%. I can complain or I can say what I think is better or not, but I told you we will be ready.
What does it feel like to have the away end chanting your name after managing behind closed doors for so long?
Well that’s what it brings, probably sense to everything we do. You realise in those moments that those people have real emotion to the club and you can make them happy then everything just makes sense. The connection that they showed with the players and with me as well you just have to be very grateful because they have come along on this journey and I think believe on what we do.
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How does it feel for you on a personal level?
Personally great because we’ve been through a lot and we played nearly two years with no crowds. To gain something that in my opinion was the most important thing which is unity around the club and a sense of direction and belonging, it was going to be really important and it produces belief and energy.
Do you agree with what other managers have said on fixture congestion?
I give my opinion. I don’t comment on other managers’ comments, I give my opinion.
Now you’re in pole position for top four. What does the mentality of the team have to be?
That we have 10 games today and that what we did yesterday or today is not relevant, it’s what we’re going to do tomorrow. How we’re going to prepare, how we’re going to get the team to play better and win more games more comfortably because if we want to win more games that we dominate like today we have to score the second and third one. We’re not there yet.
Is Bukayo Saka OK?
Yeah, he was really fatigued as well. After Liverpool he had an issue in his hip and he’s played a lot of minutes and you could tell. We didn’t want to risk him because he has to go with England now so we decided to take him off.
He is going to go to the England squad?
He should be fine yeah.
How were his and Thomas Partey’s performances?
I think in general the team were really good. With Thomas we talk about consistency of the level, I think we’re having in the last three games in the last six days, which he hasn’t done in the last few years, I think he played at his best level for three consecutive games and for the team that’s a big boost.
We saw Nicolas Jover sprint down the touchline to give instructions. Does that show how important you think set pieces are?
I think if anybody can help with anything from my staff just do it. If it’s throwing a bottle of water, or cleaning somebody’s shoes or giving somebody instructions they are free to do it.
How much of a difference do set pieces make in tight matches like this one?
It’s part of the game obviously. In the Premier League, with the top teams especially, you can see they score a lot of goals from set pieces. One or two and nobody talks about it, but they’ve made a difference there. In the Champions League it’s happening. You have to prepare every part of the game. In football it’s becoming quicker and it’s really good and we have a good knowledge and we have to find advantages where we can.
You still haven’t conceded from a corner…
Don’t talk about it! *knocks on wooden table*
How do you decide whether you man mark on zonally mark because you’ve mixed it up this season?
Well it depends on the opposition, what we want to do in terms of the quality of personnel we have on the day and that’s it and keep doing it.
Saka said after the match that he needs more support from the referees. Is that something you’d go along with?
He probably gave him what he felt on the pitch. I think the refs try to do their best but we have to listen to the players. They are the reason why we’re all here.
How did Ramsdale pick up the injury?
He wasn’t confident in the last 50 or 60 minutes against Liverpool. We scanned him and he had a proper injury and a sore muscle. He wanted to be here but as soon as he realised he couldn’t play he wanted to be here to support Bernd which shows you the kind of character he is.
Is he out of the England squad?
Yes he won’t be able to play for England.
You’ve won a lot of people over and they’re jumping on the bandwagon. How does that make you feel?
They can jump! The more people we have on board the better. The history and tradition of this club is to win and the only thing that is acceptable is that. When you’re sitting here and not doing it you have to accept that.
You looked unflappable at the back. How do you feel about the highs right now?
When we are there I look at how things can get better because things can change very quickly in football because the margins are small. So just look and be humble and focus on the things we have to do.
What did you make of Tyrone Mings’s tackle on Saka?
I haven’t seen it on video. My impression in the game with the reaction the players had is that they had to review it on VAR. They said that they reviewed it so it’s done.
He came off with that injury didn’t he?
Yes, but the decision has been made we can’t change it.
Will Gabi be able to join up with the Brazil squad?
It’s a personal question thing for him because obviously he has a personal thing happening.
Gabriel Martinelli not Magalhaes?
Oh! Hopefully yes. He was gutted not to be able to play today because he travelled. He wanted to be with the team. He really deserves that so hopefully he can travel tomorrow.
