Lisandro Martinez has stated that he and his teammates are “so angry” following their 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth. The loss, which was compounded by a goal conceded from a set-piece, has left the team frustrated and determined to address their defensive weaknesses.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Martinez has expressed his frustration, saying he was “so angry” following the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, which was once again triggered by a goal conceded from a set-piece. The strike, a header from Dean Huijsen off a corner, marked the 17th goal they have conceded from a set-play in the calendar year, highlighting their ongoing vulnerability in this area. This weakness, described as their Achilles’ Heel, was exploited once again by the Cherries.
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Martinez insists that he believes United can turn their form around but the club are languishing in 13th, and will, for the first time in Premier League history, spend Christmas Day in the bottom half. They are eight points behind fourth-placed Nottingham Forest.
WHAT MARTINEZ SAID
The manager expressed his frustration to reporters, emphasizing the team’s need to improve on set-pieces. He stated, “We are so angry with this kind of situation. We have to work on set-pieces especially. I believe a lot in this team and staff. If they don’t score their first goal from set-pieces, then it’s a totally different game. We missed many chances today. We have to score. We know what we have to do, and we have to change quickly.”
He acknowledged the high expectations at the club, saying, “The expectation is very high. It’s a process, and you can see we are playing so well, but we also concede goals and we have to work on that. I know the fans are impatient with us. We are the only ones who can change it.”
He concluded with a confident statement: “It’s football, and we have to accept it. We are 100% confident that we will get success at this club. It’s a process, I don’t want to point the finger at one player. We win together, we lose together. It is a big pressure, but we love that. I believe a lot in this group.”
WHAT NEXT?
United play Wolves on Boxing Day before rounding out the year against Newcastle.