Ralf Rangnick clears up Michael Carrick stance and namechecks Klopp’s Liverpool in plans
Ralf Rangnick says he tried to persuade Michael Carrick to stay at Manchester United, as he set his sights on following the success of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
Carrick, 40, announced he would leave the club immediately after Thursday’s win over Arsenal. It was a decision which came as a shock to many and Rangnick says he was told a couple of days ago of Carrick’s decision. The former midfielder, who was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s assistant, can leave Old Trafford with his head held high after a stellar playing career. He also stepped in when United needed him and guided the club to two wins and a draw in his three games in charge.
Speaking at his first United press conference Rangnick revealed he was now looking at two or three coaching additions to boost his staff.
Rangnick said: “Michael, I got to know this two days ago. I met with Michael and Kieran, I had a long private conversation for more than an hour.
“I tried to convince him to stay, in the end, I had to accept that. I’m more than happy to work with the current coaching staff, I need their expertise.
“I will try to find two or three people that will join us in the coming weeks. But due to Brexit, it’s not that easy.”
Rangnick’s deal as interim manager will run to the end of the season. And he says he has not considered replacing the sacked Solskjaer on a permanent basis.
He said: “If we do well and we stabilise, I might even recommend that we keep working with me. This is all hypothetical, we cannot speak about that.
“The people with whom I’ve spoken with, they have been very clear that it is a six-month role. We have never spoken about what will happen in the summer.
“If they will speak about me with that, we will see. If they ask me about my opinion, I might make the same recommendation that I did at RB Leipzig twice. That it might be better to work with me for one year.”
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Rangnick talks Klopp tenure
Rangnick, who has targeted a more “balanced” team under his tenure, has set his sights on emulating Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
Klopp, who has guided the Reds to Premier League and Champions League crowns, has been at the helm since October 2015. And Rangnick believes United have a more talented squad than Klopp inherited at Anfield.
“It’s not unusual that after along. successful spell, the club needs to find a new pathway,” said Rangnick. “The club has had no continuity in signing new players and sticking to the DNA of the club.
“In the future, the board members and myself have the same opinion. It’s important not to have many changes in management.
“When Jurgen came to Liverpool, the squad he had at the time was definitely not better than the one we have here.
“Let the players follow and buy into the idea that I can offer them on how we want to play in the future.
“Pep has been at City for three years, Jurgen for five. Thomas only came in February, but in time-wise, they’re a little ahead of us in the way they want to develop. I’m more than happy with the players we have here.”
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