r00fie1
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Michael Carrick v Norwich Media Conference - Transcript.
5th Championship win – Thoughts?
Kind of moved on really. Good result. [It was] a tricky game with a new Manager. Tough to prepare for a natural bounce and enthusiasm….especially someone with the calibre of Wayne [Rooney]. I thought the boys played well and created a lot of chances. [Smile] We had to leave it late in the end, but I was delighted.
Crooks: an example to “fringe players”?
Big player for us Crooksy. Really important part of the squad. His experience, how he is as a person, his attitude, his character, he plays a big part around the group and his performances have been fantastic. His impact on the games have been big….creating some goals, scoring some goals. His general play has been fantastic and his link up really well with Izzy down the right hand side. He gives us so much out of possession….his work rate...[I`m] delighted for him playing so well.
Sir Bobby Charlton. Carrick`s personal memories?
[In the changing rooms] He would come in after the game and have a quick chat and show his support mainly. Whatever the result he was always there and showed he cared so much. He loved Man Utd. Loved the club….the players. He knew what it meant to play for Man Utd….to be involved in the club. After the game he epitomised everything Manchester United…..the family, the history, the tradition, looking after each other and everything he had been through: in his lifetime and on the pitch, with Munich...through that and having the career that he had. [His] influence and support around the club, that rubbed off for such a long time. Its really sad news . [He was] an icon of football.
“From our part of the world too”.
Being from the North East, from a working class background, going on to achieve incredible things. A special person. [Smile] Obviously very talented as a footballer and arguably the best footballer to come out of this country. Definitely right up there. As a person, his character, his personality, his caring side, that shone through as much as anything for me.
Sad news about Bill Gates [Dementia]
Fully aware. I heard the news myself. On behalf of myself, the players and everyone at the club we`ll pass on our condolences and thoughts to his friends and family.
Three Clean Sheets. Dieng has slotted in?!
He`s been a calming influence. He`s quite laid back naturally as a character, but that doesn’t take away from the other side of him in terms of the control and calmness and how that can rub off on the back four and the team. Obviously with the ball he`s a big part of what we do and has an influence on us attacking from the back really. He`s made some big saves at certain times. He didn’t have a lot to do on Saturday, but he made one early on. It goes unnoticed at times, but he`s had a big impact and clean sheets are vital for us to be successful, to get to where we want to get to. Clean sheets, defending and having to score one goal to win a game is a lot easier at times. Football is not easy, but its a lot easier if you only have to score one if you defend well as a team.
Tuesday 24th is a year since Carrick took over. Thoughts?
[Smile] Its flown by. It has gone quick. We`ve obviously gone through a fair bit since I arrived. Had some good times, some disappointments. That`s football, but I`ve loved every minute of it. love being here, love being with the group and the players at this club. Yep. Its flown by [and] there`s a lot more to come.
Carricks self assessment of the last year?
I think the only way in assessing it is by what happens on the pitch in terms of where you end up really [smiles at that reporter]. I feel that we`ve made progress in terms of how we play the game. What`s expected….we`ve been pretty consistent with the group, with the behaviours, the positivity, the connection with the fans has grown no end since I`ve been here, which is good to see. But it does come down to results and its the end of the season….last season we had a good season from where we were and we didn’t quite finish it off. This season is a whole new season and we`ll see how we get at the end. I said that first month, that first six weeks, you could assess it then, you could assess it six weeks later [smile]. Its a whole new thing. Its the end of the season that really matters.
[This last year] hasnt thrown up anything I didn’t expect. I`ve been around the game a long time [smile at reporter] to know its full of ups and down. Being in the [Head Coach] role is slightly different challenges at certain times: leaving players out the team or telling players they`re not playing this week is always the toughest part, especially when they`ve played well...they are a good character and everything is good about them….its not easy. That`s the hardest part for me [smiles].
Norwich at home last season. Most impressive game?
It was a strange game actually. I don’t think we played particularly great throughout the game. We were clinical. We scored goals….but in terms of overall performance, we were pretty good. It was one of those nights where everything went for us and we finished well and created chances, scored….but, its one of them where we had some good moments. We`ve had some good moments over the period I`ve been her. We`ll try and creat some more of them [big smile] with good performances, good results and that`s obviously up to us.
Thoughts on Norwich?
I don’t think you can judge Norwich on their results. [We] judge them on what they`re capable of doing and how they`re actually playing as well. Reminds me a little bit of us when we were finding it difficult to get results, but performances were there largely. Watching them over the last few week….they are very dangerous, very good with the ball . Good going forward, creating a lot of chances, got some good players. You`ve got to be really good to beat them. We are well aware of that. Obviously [our] run is the run, but we`re not looking at that at all. We know it`l be a tough game and we`ll have to be at our best to get the result we want.
Long trips coming up. Will Carrick have to use as many players as he can?
[Shrug] Its pretty normal to be honest [looks straight at reporter]. We`re fortunate enough to be able to fly to some away games, so on a map its a long way [and for] the supporters, travelling – its a long way and we appreciate that [smile]. For the players fortunately, they`l fly in and out [of the games]….so the distance is kind of taken away you know [smile]. We are probably spoilt a bit [smile]. But, nevertheless, there are a cluster of games that we`ve got to manage. [There are] some injuries, some illnesses, we are not at full strength as a group, in terms of numbers, so we`ll manage that. Its why we`re here, to play games, to be involved in cup competitions….a week down the line.
Injuries?
[Smile] We`re kind of counting up the bodies if Im honest at the moment...giving players as long as they can to recover and find out who`s fit and who`s not going tomorrow. That`s the nature of it. That`s why we wanted the squad that we assembled....the strength in numbers. We know over a period of time everyone`s going to play a huge part. It comes around and I`ve said it before, if you feel you have`nt played or been out the team a little bit, it [opportunity] certainly comes round quick. The boys keep themselves ready, train well. That`s part of it, so [we`ve] got no problems. Disappointed with injuries….but its an opportunity for somebody else and we`ll make the most of it.
McGree? Lenihan? Any closer for the weekend?
No.
Impact of subs. Reflects squad mentality?
Its vital for us. I don’t think we can take that for granted...its not easy to do when your not starting a game or you`ve not started for a week or two, to keep that energy and make that big impact. Dont take that for granted. I sit here and say it every single week: I appreciate that and how much the boys give to be part of the group and work for each other. Sometimes that`s support from the bench, support from the stands or from training….its the sacrifice for each other. They`ve all played such a big part...and they will do. Its made a big difference the last few weeks. We need to keep that up, keep feeding off that, different roles for different players at different times. That`s what we need to move forward.
Nurturing spirit and culture at the club. Has Carrick done that or the players themselves?
Its the players. Its a credit to them as a group, how they look after each other, treat each other, behave, how they support each other. As staff, we help guide them and lead to a certain point but they`ve got to want to do it! They`ve got to want to get on. They don’t necessarily have to be best friends….hang out..and that sort of thing, but I think they understand if you want to be successful as a team and a squad, you cant do it on your own. That`s why they`re such a pleasure to kind of lead really. They give that and an awful lot more.
r00fie1 23/10/23
5th Championship win – Thoughts?
Kind of moved on really. Good result. [It was] a tricky game with a new Manager. Tough to prepare for a natural bounce and enthusiasm….especially someone with the calibre of Wayne [Rooney]. I thought the boys played well and created a lot of chances. [Smile] We had to leave it late in the end, but I was delighted.
Crooks: an example to “fringe players”?
Big player for us Crooksy. Really important part of the squad. His experience, how he is as a person, his attitude, his character, he plays a big part around the group and his performances have been fantastic. His impact on the games have been big….creating some goals, scoring some goals. His general play has been fantastic and his link up really well with Izzy down the right hand side. He gives us so much out of possession….his work rate...[I`m] delighted for him playing so well.
Sir Bobby Charlton. Carrick`s personal memories?
[In the changing rooms] He would come in after the game and have a quick chat and show his support mainly. Whatever the result he was always there and showed he cared so much. He loved Man Utd. Loved the club….the players. He knew what it meant to play for Man Utd….to be involved in the club. After the game he epitomised everything Manchester United…..the family, the history, the tradition, looking after each other and everything he had been through: in his lifetime and on the pitch, with Munich...through that and having the career that he had. [His] influence and support around the club, that rubbed off for such a long time. Its really sad news . [He was] an icon of football.
“From our part of the world too”.
Being from the North East, from a working class background, going on to achieve incredible things. A special person. [Smile] Obviously very talented as a footballer and arguably the best footballer to come out of this country. Definitely right up there. As a person, his character, his personality, his caring side, that shone through as much as anything for me.
Sad news about Bill Gates [Dementia]
Fully aware. I heard the news myself. On behalf of myself, the players and everyone at the club we`ll pass on our condolences and thoughts to his friends and family.
Three Clean Sheets. Dieng has slotted in?!
He`s been a calming influence. He`s quite laid back naturally as a character, but that doesn’t take away from the other side of him in terms of the control and calmness and how that can rub off on the back four and the team. Obviously with the ball he`s a big part of what we do and has an influence on us attacking from the back really. He`s made some big saves at certain times. He didn’t have a lot to do on Saturday, but he made one early on. It goes unnoticed at times, but he`s had a big impact and clean sheets are vital for us to be successful, to get to where we want to get to. Clean sheets, defending and having to score one goal to win a game is a lot easier at times. Football is not easy, but its a lot easier if you only have to score one if you defend well as a team.
Tuesday 24th is a year since Carrick took over. Thoughts?
[Smile] Its flown by. It has gone quick. We`ve obviously gone through a fair bit since I arrived. Had some good times, some disappointments. That`s football, but I`ve loved every minute of it. love being here, love being with the group and the players at this club. Yep. Its flown by [and] there`s a lot more to come.
Carricks self assessment of the last year?
I think the only way in assessing it is by what happens on the pitch in terms of where you end up really [smiles at that reporter]. I feel that we`ve made progress in terms of how we play the game. What`s expected….we`ve been pretty consistent with the group, with the behaviours, the positivity, the connection with the fans has grown no end since I`ve been here, which is good to see. But it does come down to results and its the end of the season….last season we had a good season from where we were and we didn’t quite finish it off. This season is a whole new season and we`ll see how we get at the end. I said that first month, that first six weeks, you could assess it then, you could assess it six weeks later [smile]. Its a whole new thing. Its the end of the season that really matters.
[This last year] hasnt thrown up anything I didn’t expect. I`ve been around the game a long time [smile at reporter] to know its full of ups and down. Being in the [Head Coach] role is slightly different challenges at certain times: leaving players out the team or telling players they`re not playing this week is always the toughest part, especially when they`ve played well...they are a good character and everything is good about them….its not easy. That`s the hardest part for me [smiles].
Norwich at home last season. Most impressive game?
It was a strange game actually. I don’t think we played particularly great throughout the game. We were clinical. We scored goals….but in terms of overall performance, we were pretty good. It was one of those nights where everything went for us and we finished well and created chances, scored….but, its one of them where we had some good moments. We`ve had some good moments over the period I`ve been her. We`ll try and creat some more of them [big smile] with good performances, good results and that`s obviously up to us.
Thoughts on Norwich?
I don’t think you can judge Norwich on their results. [We] judge them on what they`re capable of doing and how they`re actually playing as well. Reminds me a little bit of us when we were finding it difficult to get results, but performances were there largely. Watching them over the last few week….they are very dangerous, very good with the ball . Good going forward, creating a lot of chances, got some good players. You`ve got to be really good to beat them. We are well aware of that. Obviously [our] run is the run, but we`re not looking at that at all. We know it`l be a tough game and we`ll have to be at our best to get the result we want.
Long trips coming up. Will Carrick have to use as many players as he can?
[Shrug] Its pretty normal to be honest [looks straight at reporter]. We`re fortunate enough to be able to fly to some away games, so on a map its a long way [and for] the supporters, travelling – its a long way and we appreciate that [smile]. For the players fortunately, they`l fly in and out [of the games]….so the distance is kind of taken away you know [smile]. We are probably spoilt a bit [smile]. But, nevertheless, there are a cluster of games that we`ve got to manage. [There are] some injuries, some illnesses, we are not at full strength as a group, in terms of numbers, so we`ll manage that. Its why we`re here, to play games, to be involved in cup competitions….a week down the line.
Injuries?
[Smile] We`re kind of counting up the bodies if Im honest at the moment...giving players as long as they can to recover and find out who`s fit and who`s not going tomorrow. That`s the nature of it. That`s why we wanted the squad that we assembled....the strength in numbers. We know over a period of time everyone`s going to play a huge part. It comes around and I`ve said it before, if you feel you have`nt played or been out the team a little bit, it [opportunity] certainly comes round quick. The boys keep themselves ready, train well. That`s part of it, so [we`ve] got no problems. Disappointed with injuries….but its an opportunity for somebody else and we`ll make the most of it.
McGree? Lenihan? Any closer for the weekend?
No.
Impact of subs. Reflects squad mentality?
Its vital for us. I don’t think we can take that for granted...its not easy to do when your not starting a game or you`ve not started for a week or two, to keep that energy and make that big impact. Dont take that for granted. I sit here and say it every single week: I appreciate that and how much the boys give to be part of the group and work for each other. Sometimes that`s support from the bench, support from the stands or from training….its the sacrifice for each other. They`ve all played such a big part...and they will do. Its made a big difference the last few weeks. We need to keep that up, keep feeding off that, different roles for different players at different times. That`s what we need to move forward.
Nurturing spirit and culture at the club. Has Carrick done that or the players themselves?
Its the players. Its a credit to them as a group, how they look after each other, treat each other, behave, how they support each other. As staff, we help guide them and lead to a certain point but they`ve got to want to do it! They`ve got to want to get on. They don’t necessarily have to be best friends….hang out..and that sort of thing, but I think they understand if you want to be successful as a team and a squad, you cant do it on your own. That`s why they`re such a pleasure to kind of lead really. They give that and an awful lot more.
r00fie1 23/10/23
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