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Mikel that was a much-improved second half
The first 30-35 minutes, how we started the game,
how we approached the game. I tried to convince them before the game with what to expect - they
(Leeds) battered every team in the Championship every three days.
"The way they play makes it very difficult and uncomfortable. Everything is man-to-man
across the pitch so it becomes a transition game. Everything is duels and 50/50s. If you're
not ready for that game, you'll get exposed and get done. Obviously the second half was
a different story."
Were you angry with the team at half time?
"Yeah."
Did you let them know you were angry?
"When I see what I don't want to see - and I'm not talking about technically or tactically
- what I expect from them and the standards that we want to set in certain areas, I cannot
be happy and I have to let them know.
"But I am learning everyday from them - how they react when they lose, what they need
when they lose and what they need when they win as well. Also, how they can react when
they want to because before that, everyone said it was a physical issue. That we could
not sustain certain rhythm or intensity throughout the game, look how they finished tonight.
"After 94 minutes they kept going and this is what they have to understand as a team."
Did it surprise you after the first halves against Chelsea and Manchester United?
"To be fair it didn't. I think it was a big release for them when they won against Manchester
United and took a bit of that pressure off and them your body and mind tries to relax
for one or two days.
"Now, we are not in a position to relax because we are not good enough to relax. If we don't
play at that level, we are not good enough."
Leeds could have been two goals up before half time. That's not what you want to see is it?
"No, that's why we had to react. We had to change some things but the biggest change
was how we approached the second half. The mentality, how aggressive we are, how intense
we are, we started to win every duel, every 50/50, we were playing in the opponents half
making passes and runs forward and being positive on the ball."
How do you get that from the beginning?
"That's a good question and every three days an even better question. That's the job and
what I have to find out with these players but I have to recognise I played those types
of games and these months we play against teams that go man-to-man and it's very uncomfortable.
"The players are not used to it and it becomes a battle, a transition game - you win the
ball you attack, you lose the ball they counter attack and I think they have to experience that."
Did you think finding a consistent mentality is one of your biggest challenges?
"Absolutely because they haven't done it for many months so it has to be a process. That's
why I think tonight is a really good lesson for them, so they can live their profession
and suffer for 35 minutes or they can enjoy and feel proud of what they did in the second
half, it's their choice."
How pleased were you to read Aubameyang's captain's notes?
"I was told about that and I'm really happy. His commitment since the day I walked through
the door has been phenomenal, the work he's put in, his attitude around the place with
the players - so I hope we can do that (keep him).
So we can put away any talk of transfers (with Aubameyang) for this month?
"He's done it, I do it, I want him here, I'm so happy with him so hopefully it's the end
of the story."
Any interest in Jerome Boateng?
"We don't talk about any transfers and we are working on a few things. When the club
has something to say I will let you know."
Nelson scored - how pleasing was tonight for the academy graduates?
"I'm very pleased with how he's training, how he's reacting, how willing he is to learn
- he's asking the right questions. I know about his ability, I knew him since I was
here and coached him a little bit when he was 16.
"I know his potential and now he needs to put things away. I think he needed that goal
for his confidence, he needs to improve his end product a little in the final third but
he's doing all the right things."
Were you playing a team who will be in the Premier League next season?
"(They are) a nightmare! A nightmare for every team to play. I said before the game, to play
against them is like going to the dentist! It's tough. they make it really hard.
"They are a great team, what they have achieved consistently every three days with those players
- what they built there is powerful. You can see every time you analyse any of their games
it's exactly like this so it's top to see that, top."
Even though you don't always want to shout at your team, has this been useful?
"Yes, of course. If they had been flat it doesn't matter what happens in their life
or what I tell them, I will be very worried. At least I know that there is a way to react.
"They responded because they accept that it's (the first half) is not what we want so afterwards,
now they are much happier and it was a good lesson."
Does the team need wins to start relaxing in what they're doing?
"Not relaxing but being a little more confidence and building something together, yes I think it's important."