Erik ten Hag says he can break the Premier League monopoly of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp after he was officially introduced as Manchester United’s new boss.
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Newly-crowned champions City and Liverpool have shared the last five Premier League titles, but ten Hag said he is convinced he can lead United to success and end their era of dominance.
“I admire them both, Manchester City and Liverpool,” said ten Hag. “They both play fantastic football. But you will always see an era come to an end.I’ve already met big coaches and big teams in the Premier League and I know how to deal with that. But it’s clear, the Premier League is the biggest league in the world I think and I’m looking forward to battling with them.”
Asked if he felt their dominance can be ended before Guardiola or Klopp leave their respective clubs, ten Hag said: “Yes, I think so.
“We have to set clear purposes, you need people who have a positive attitude. Players dictate the way of play, when I have the idea, I will line-up my best team and get the best out of them to make them feel comfortable. It is about getting success together.
“We are in the process before the season starts. I am still in the process of observing and analysing, I will set conclusions, but I keep it for myself. The confidence is that I have a good feeling with the people around and the meetings.
“We have a plan and now it is to co-operate and achieve the success we want to. The plan is huge, you will see.”
Ten Hag backed up his bold claim by pointing out he made Ajax the dominant side in Holland, toppling PSV Eindhoven and winning three titles in his time there.
“What we did in Ajax, we wanted to be back on top in Holland,” said ten Hag. “When I started, PSV were on top and we changed it.
“In the last four years, we were number one continually. I’m happy and satisfied that we achieved that purpose. It was important also to finish in my last season as number one. There was PSV and also Feyenoord who were huge competitors, but finally we won the battle.”
Ten Hag refused to confirm if current United skipper Harry Maguire will keep the armband under him, but said he was looking forward to working with Cristiano Ronaldo. United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League raised doubts over whether Ronaldo will stay, but ten Hag said he wants the 37-year-old icon – who scored 24 goals this season – to stay.
“Of course,” said ten Hag. “What does Ronaldo bring? Goals! But I will talk first with Ronaldo before I talk with you.”
