After the draw between "Manchester United" and London's "West Ham" clubs, head "United" coach Louis van Gaal gave an interview to the "BT Sport" team.
Did you feel relieved that the draw was extended?
"I was very happy when I saw the spirit of my team, it was incredible. Losing a match to 'Liverpool' is very painful for the club and all the players know that, so a few days later you have to play against 'West Ham'. They are a good team and were fully prepared for these matches, as they had a whole week to prepare. We had to recover in just two days and coming back from being behind 0-1 to tie the game was fantastic. I'm very happy with my players. I also think that the fans enjoyed these matches and I think that's especially important."
Regarding the equalizing goal situation and the demanded penalty for Dimitri Payet:
"I saw the footage of the situation and I think Schweinsteiger was pushed by the defender, so he didn't do it intentionally (interfering with 'West Ham' goalkeeper Darren Randolph).
Payet more or less dove. Of course, there might have been some contact, but not enough to go down. Discussions always arise due to referee decisions. The same goes for the match against 'Liverpool'. I can't say anything. I think the referee has to make a decision in a few seconds. I said the same thing after the match against 'Liverpool', and the same applies now."
The impact of B. Schweinsteiger:
"I think he played fantastically, but he played for 50 minutes, which is different from playing the full 90 minutes. I was very pleased with him as well as Matteo Darmian. He played only three minutes coming off the bench because I wanted to make one more substitution. He played great when needed. After the match, I praised my players."
The stadium's reaction when M. Fellaini was substituted:
"I think Marouane Fellaini had a good game again. He performed well according to our plan, so the reaction from the crowd was disappointing, but that was the only moment in the match when I was disappointed. The fans supported us, despite two losses this week. Maybe they have a different opinion than me."
manutd.lt
