Managers Press Conference – Liverpool

David Moyes faced the media’s questions this afternoon ahead of tomorrow’s ‘Capital One Cup’ showdown against fierce rivals Liverpool. The reds will be looking to put Sunday’s humiliating defeat against  Manchester City behind them, and also seek revenge for the 1-0 defeat at Anfield a few weeks ago.  

The manager confirmed that United are glad to have the chance to play another game so quickly in order to bounce back from Sunday, and this week will also be a big chance for other players to show him what they can do. Moyes also confirmed that Robin Van Persie will not recover from the injury that kept him out Sunday in time for tomorrow’s game, but he has an outside chance of making Saturday’s game against West Brom. The manager then went on to answer questions about Luis Suarez’s return on Wednesday from a lengthy ban, and also Real Madrid president Florentino Perez’s comments regarding United’s attempts to sign Bale.

The key quotes from the manager:
On the City result:

“It’s gone now. I can’t do anything about it so we move on and get ready for the next game. Yeah it did shock me. When you have been a football manager for the amount of time i have been you always will have shocks. I have got no doubt there will be more in the future and that’s the way football is.”

On tomorrow game against Liverpool:

“It’s always a big game when you play any cup tie. When you play liverpool it’s a big rivalry, and it could take on a bigger significance than people might expect. Every game is important to me though, and I am motivated regardless of the opposition.

“The cup has been a route to giving young players an opportunity. (But) obviously this is a really big tie.

“I’m still getting to know all the players. I’ll get to know a few more this week and see what they can do.”

On Van Persie’s injury:

“I don’t think Robin will play on Wednesday. But I think he’ll have an outside chance for Saturday (West Brom).”

On Luis Suarez’s return:

“I think it means liverpool have a really good player. I’m not looking at Liverpool too much though.”

On Perez’s comments regarding a United bid for Bale:

“Well if I was interested  (in Bale) I wouldn’t tell you or comment.”

Overall,  it was an interesting  and brave decision by the manager to hold a press conference today, with Sir Alex Ferguson traditionally never choosing to face the media before League Cup ties. Moyes gave a spiky response to some questions, clearly showing that he is still not in the best of moods following the result on Sunday. It was interesting to see that Moyes was giving very little away about the possible team he will play tomorrow, but it does seem that some players may get a chance despite it being a strong team in order to avoid another defeat. It was also positive to hear that Robin Van Persie  has a chance of being  ready for the important Premier League game on Saturday. Finally, it was clear that Moyes was not really interested in talking about Luis Suarez, or the reports coming from Madrid this morning that United attempted to sign Bales in the summer. Overall, United fans will be hoping a few players get given a chance tomorrow night, and the team can start the process of putting Sunday’s poor result behind them.