In the first interview after it was announced that he will be the coach of Manchester United from next season, Erik ten Haag sent a clear message to the stars of the "Devils" that he is ready to restore order in the dressing room.
"Society imposes an ego on great and famous football players, and they need an ego to survive in this world. But I'm ready to fight it," Ten Haag told the Dutch magazine "Trouw".
Asked if he is ready to deal with strong personalities, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, he replied:
"I think I am. I will remain myself in everything. I will not change the requirements I have as a coach. Everyone will have to adapt to it, no matter what their name is. Otherwise, we cannot cooperate".
Ten Haag also emphasized that during the agreement he insisted that he had the main say in bringing reinforcements.
"I don't want to be a solo player, I believe in cooperation, but I have to have a say in the transfer. That was the condition," said the 52-year-old Dutchman, who signed a three-year contract.
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