Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spoke about the protests planned for fans outside Old Trafford before Sunday’s game with Liverpool, saying he hopes they are peaceful and ‘in a good fashion’.
Solskjaer Speaks Ahead of Liverpool Clash and Protests
The Club Must Communicate Better, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Thousands of fans are set to partake in a demonstration outside Old Trafford on Sunday two and a half hours before the 16:30 kick-off.
The protests are set to be similar to recent showings outside Manchester United‘s stadium, which have made the disdain United supporters feel towards the Glazers clear. Protests and demonstrations have become more regular occurrences since the fallout of the European Super League.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of United’s clash with arch-rivals Liverpool, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “It is important that the fans’ views are listened to and we communicate better. My job is to focus on the football side and that we have the best possible team. I have said before, I have been backed and have had great support from the club and the owners. I’m sure I will get the backing again to go one step further.
I am so happy that all the clubs agreed that this shouldn’t be the way of moving forward. Then again, when the protests are on it is important they go in a good fashion and that we keep it peaceful.”
The United boss emphasised the point that the protest will not affect the performance of his side on Sunday, saying: “The players are focused on the game and nothing else. They have handled difficult situations before.
Of course, it was a strange week before the Leeds game after the Super League announcement, but I have got to say that I am not worried for one second that our mind is not on the football when it happens. I think you saw here tonight that the players are fully, fully focused on performing.”
Liverpool’s League Struggles Are of No Concern to Solskjaer
United beating Liverpool on Sunday could lead to Jurgen Klopp’s side being seven points adrift of the top four with four games remaining.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was asked about whether the opportunity to dent any remaining hope of Liverpool qualifying for next season’s Champions League added any incentive to the fixture, and he replied: “We don’t go out there, we are just thinking about winning ourselves. Whatever that does to Liverpool can’t be of our concern.
Throughout the season you have games you look forward to and this Liverpool game at home is one of the biggest of the season. It doesn’t matter if we are first or second, third or fourth no matter what this is a massive, massive game”
The Norwegian also offered little insight into his club’s biggest rivals’ struggles this season, saying: “I think we all, before this season, had worries how this season is going to go for the players. They have had bad injuries this season. This season has been more different to any other season in modern football. So I am just focused on ourselves.
I cannot say anything about Liverpool’s season. I have not really watched them too closely and followed them because I have got my own club and problems and challenges.”
This Weekend’s Boycott is ‘Important’
United will be part of a blackout from football accounts on social media this weekend. Each account will observe the blackout by not engaging in any online activity in line with other clubs, Premier League, and UEFA accounts.
Solskjaer backed the move from his club and feels there his club must continue to try to affect people, saying: “I’m very pleased that we make this boycott. I think it’s important. Ever since I came here we have been speaking regularly, in intervals, too often about racism, discrimination, abuse. Of course, this is our way of making a stand, taking a standpoint.
We have our own campaign: See Red. I think it’s important that we affect people, influence people. We know we are not going to stop it but hopefully, we can influence people a little bit and then a little bit and a little bit, and in the end, we stop talking about it. No one is benefiting for this situation.”
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