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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has admitted that he is saddened by Chelsea’s sacking of Thomas Tuchel, remarking that he is at a loss for words.
Chelsea traveled to Croatia for their Champions League Group E opener against Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday (September 6). Tuchel’s boys failed to live up to the expectations in Zagreb and succumbed to a shock 1-0 defeat. Hours after their loss, Chelsea released an official statement, confirming that they had parted ways with Tuchel.
In a pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League opener against Real Sociedad (September 8), Ten Hag was asked to comment on Tuchel’s unexpected dismissal. Somewhat bluntly, he replied (via the Manchester Evening News):
“I feel sorry, but there is nothing I can say. It's Chelsea, not Man United. It's early in the season, yes.”
Before succumbing to the decisive 1-0 defeat in Croatia, Chelsea had featured in six Premier League games under the German manager this season, losing twice, winning thrice, and drawing once.
Diogo Dalot heaps praise on Manchester United marquee signing Antony ahead of Real Sociedad clash
Diogo Dalot accompanied his manager Erik ten Hag to Wednesday’s pre-Europa League press conference. The Manchester United full-back was asked to share his thoughts on the club’s marquee signing (€95 million) Antony, and he had nothing but praise for him.
Dalot drew attention to the Brazilian’s debut goal against Arsenal (3-1 win), noting his immediate impact.
The Portuguese fullback said (via Manchester United's official outlet):
"I think you could see really the impact that he had straightaway in our team.
“It makes it a little bit easier to speak with him, because I can speak to him in Portuguese. It comes a little bit quicker than in English. But I think he is a very, very good kid, and very open to get help as well, which is good.”
He continued:
“Obviously it will take time for us to adapt to him and for him to adapt to us as well, but I think he adapted really quickly in the few days that he had in training, and especially in the game.
“But obviously everyone has welcomed him as [if] he was here for a long time. I'm sure he will be very successful here.”
After such an explosive debut, Antony is expected to enjoy another impressive outing on his European debut against Sociedad this Wednesday. Considering how nervy Sociedad have looked this season (5 points dropped in 4 games, 5 goals conceded), it would not be surprising to see Antony on the scoresheet again.
