Notes: Louis van Gaal press conference 22-1-2015

Louis van Gaal spoke to the press on Thursday prior to Manchester United’s FA Cup clash against Cambridge United. Below we have collected notes from some of the main points given.

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– The boss told MUTV before his Press Conference that Ashley Young, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans are out of Friday night’s game, but Robin van Persie and Luke Shaw are available. LvG added that he will have to see how the next training session goes.

– Having won the equivalent cups in Spain, Holland and Germany, LvG says the FA Cup is different because of its atmosphere and high attendances.

“I think here the FA Cup is very important for the fans, for the people and also for the players. That is the difference.”

– LvG admitted that it’s tough playing against lower-league teams because “in the players’ minds, it’s a weaker team.”

He added: “There are always surprises and I hope we are not the surprise.”

– On Cambridge, the boss added: “They play with high balls and have five or six players above 1.90m, so it is difficult for us to defend. That is why you have to prepare yourself very well.”

“I have seen the capacity of the stadium – nearly 10,000 fans can watch the game. The crowd is good and I hope we can beat them. They are in good shape, though, as they have won their last three matches. They have also bought new players, so we have to be alert to play against such teams.”

– The boss is keeping his cards close to his chest after press speculation that Victor Valdes will make his debut against Cambridge.

“I don’t want to say anything about my line-up until just before the game.”

– LvG also reiterated his point about needing to find the right “balance” in his team for each different opponent.

“We have played the 4-4-2 diamond shape for five or six games and we have created a lot of chances, but we have also conceded a few goals against us and that is the balance of the team,” he told MUTV.

“At this moment I am strict on our philosophy. Everyone has to perform in that philosophy.”

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