Ole Gunnar Solskjaer delivered this message to Manchester players following the defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Manchester United were on a roll until they faced Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League Round of 16 at Old Trafford on Tuesday. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men were beaten 2-0 by Thomas Tuchel’s French outfit who deserved the victory thoroughly.
It was a fairly contested first half, but the game got changed drastically in the second half. Through a set piece situation, defender Presnel Kimpembe opened the score for the visitors. The game was very much sealed when Kylian Mbappe found the back of the net from close range.
With this defeat, the Red Devils have lost their first game under the management of the Norwegian who took over the club in mid-December. The scoreline was a fair reflection on the game as Manchester United managed just one shot on target throughout the game.
Despite this awful display, the Interim manager has not lost his heart and is eager to see his payers bounce back. He also added that inexperience played a huge part in this defeat.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Solskjaer said Don’t feel sorry for yourself
This is something you’ve got to learn from. This is a level up from what we’re used to. They were experienced, they bought some fouls – things like this, this is just part of their learning as players.
“Many of our players are very young. It’s the first time Jesse and Marcus will play a proper Champions League game at Old Trafford. So, learn from that. You can’t feel sorry for yourself.
The Red Devils enter a difficult schedule, but Solskjaer is relishing his challenge to prove their mettle against Chelsea and Liverpool in the upcoming week.
“We have to bounce back,” he said.
“At this club you have to bounce back. In a tournament like the Champions League, it’s going to be difficult whoever you play against but our bread and butter is the league and we’ve got the FA Cup against Chelsea as well. We have to look forward. We’ve got Chelsea and Liverpool in the next two games. Whoever is feeling sorry for themselves they will not play, probably, against Chelsea.”
Solskjaer is still confident about turning the tie around despite being two goals down.
“We’ve got so many games to play for, so no. You can see the reaction in the changing room, they’re disappointed but there is some determination and desire there to put it right.
When we go to Paris we’ll give it a go. Of course, it’s a difficult mountain to climb but it’s not impossible if we get to half-time with a 1-0 lead, that’s what we’ve got to look for.
Manchester United will take on Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge on Monday, followed by Premier League clash against Liverpool in the Premier League at Old Trafford five days later.
