English Premier League: Van Gaal unhappy with hectic December schedule
United manager concerned over injuries ahead of Stoke clash
MANCHESTER:
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal admitted he is dreading the Christmas period as his team continues their bid for a Champions League place against Stoke City at Old Trafford on Monday.
The visit of Mark Hughes' team marks the beginning of a month in which United play seven league fixtures and, while his team has no interest in European or League Cup football, Van Gaal is adamant such a schedule is too demanding.
"I'm not happy because I do not agree with the schedule but I cannot change that," said the former Netherlands coach. “I don't think it's good for the football players that they play within two days of a match. And that’s exactly how December is going to be.
"We also have families. I also have a wife and kids and grandchildren and I cannot see them this Christmas," the Dutchman added. "But, I want to work in the Premier League, I have to adapt and I shall adapt."
Van Gaal's concerns have been heightened by his team's alarming injury record with Angel Di Maria and Wayne Rooney suffering the 41st and 42nd injuries sustained by United first-team squad members this season. respectively to sustain injuries this season, during Saturday's 3-0 win over Hull.
Di Maria's pulled hamstring will keep him out of the Stoke game, although van Gaal was more optimistic regarding Rooney's chances of recovering from calf and knee problems in time.
Meanwhile, former United striker Hughes also has an injury headache in midfield, with both Steve Sidwell and Glenn Whelan set to miss the trip to Old Trafford.
Rodgers to tighten Liverpool's style
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has said he will persist with a pragmatic approach when his side travels to Premier League strugglers Leicester today.
The Reds challenged for the title last season with an enthralling attacking style which saw them score 101 goals and finish just two points behind champions Manchester City. However, following the sale of striker Luis Suarez to Barcelona in the close season and Daniel Sturridge's injury problems, Liverpool have failed to recapture that form this term.
After a run of three league defeats, Rodgers adopted a more disciplined and defensive approch against Stoke City at the weekend and saw his side grind out a 1-0 win.
And, ahead of the clash with Leicester, Rodgers said he planned to stick with a more conservative style for the time being.
"We've had a lot of changes, we have a lot of different players and we are dealing with a different set of cards," said Rodgers. "You have to deal with what you've got. The flowing football will come but first we've got to get our confidence back into the team. We felt in the game against Stoke we were back to being competitive again. You have got to earn the right to win a game of football.”
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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal admitted he is dreading the Christmas period as his team continues their bid for a Champions League place against Stoke City at Old Trafford on Monday.
The visit of Mark Hughes' team marks the beginning of a month in which United play seven league fixtures and, while his team has no interest in European or League Cup football, Van Gaal is adamant such a schedule is too demanding.
"I'm not happy because I do not agree with the schedule but I cannot change that," said the former Netherlands coach. “I don't think it's good for the football players that they play within two days of a match. And that’s exactly how December is going to be.
"We also have families. I also have a wife and kids and grandchildren and I cannot see them this Christmas," the Dutchman added. "But, I want to work in the Premier League, I have to adapt and I shall adapt."
Van Gaal's concerns have been heightened by his team's alarming injury record with Angel Di Maria and Wayne Rooney suffering the 41st and 42nd injuries sustained by United first-team squad members this season. respectively to sustain injuries this season, during Saturday's 3-0 win over Hull.
Di Maria's pulled hamstring will keep him out of the Stoke game, although van Gaal was more optimistic regarding Rooney's chances of recovering from calf and knee problems in time.
Meanwhile, former United striker Hughes also has an injury headache in midfield, with both Steve Sidwell and Glenn Whelan set to miss the trip to Old Trafford.
Rodgers to tighten Liverpool's style
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has said he will persist with a pragmatic approach when his side travels to Premier League strugglers Leicester today.
The Reds challenged for the title last season with an enthralling attacking style which saw them score 101 goals and finish just two points behind champions Manchester City. However, following the sale of striker Luis Suarez to Barcelona in the close season and Daniel Sturridge's injury problems, Liverpool have failed to recapture that form this term.
After a run of three league defeats, Rodgers adopted a more disciplined and defensive approch against Stoke City at the weekend and saw his side grind out a 1-0 win.
And, ahead of the clash with Leicester, Rodgers said he planned to stick with a more conservative style for the time being.
"We've had a lot of changes, we have a lot of different players and we are dealing with a different set of cards," said Rodgers. "You have to deal with what you've got. The flowing football will come but first we've got to get our confidence back into the team. We felt in the game against Stoke we were back to being competitive again. You have got to earn the right to win a game of football.”
Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.