Pranav Nair
Solskjaer dismisses the notion that Manchester United lack psychological edge
According to MEN, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has dismissed talk of his side lacking the psychological edge to overcome the semifinal stages.
The Red Devils succumbed to their fourth straight final-four loss under the Norwegian last night. Despite going into the game in good form, the players failed to turn up when it was needed.
Dependable stars such as Bruno Fernandes too had a game to forget as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City took bragging rights on the night.
“It’s not psychological.”
A defiant Solskjaer went on to add that the losses in all four semifinals have come against better teams. Having claimed United should have no excuses for not making the finals in his pre-match presser, the Norwegian appears to be doing just that.
“They played well. And when they play well, you have to play very well to beat them, that’s just the reality of where we’re at.”
A bright ray of sunshine?
Despite the setback, Solskjaer remains upbeat and chose to look at the positives. He believes the current United side are an improved side and are getting closer to succeeding.
“We’re getting closer. This is a much better version of Man United than a year ago, in those semis. So that’s positive but it’s not enough.”
The Norwegian also waited until the 75th minute to make his first substitution. Speaking after the game, Solskjaer revealed that the players on the field applied the required pressure but lacked the end product. (h/t The Metro)
“The feeling was that we did put them under some pressure, they did make subs as well, so it was a moment to wait for that one.”
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United’s inability to clear the semifinal hurdle is worrying. While Solskjaer can claim that we were beaten on all occasions by a better team, it has to be questioned as to why we could not raise our level when needed.
The players at the Norwegian’s disposal are certainly good enough to compete against the best and it cannot be denied that they have not performed to their levels in any of the games.
To be the best, one has to beat the best and Solskjaer will have to do more to not go down in memory as yet another nearly man.
