Q&A: Louis van Gaal Press Briefing

Louis van Gaal gave a detailed debrief of the 2-1 Barclays Premier League defeat to Swansea in his post-match press conference. The full transcript, speaking to the world's media, is below...

That wasn't the start you expected, were you more disappointed with the performance than the result?
Of course, it is very disappointing for the players, the fans, for me, and the staff. That, you already know. When you have preparation time and you win everything and then you lose your first match, it cannot be worse, I believe. Also it is not good because we have built up a lot of confidence and then it shall be smashed down because of this result. But we have to know that it is only one game of many games. You shall not be the champion at this moment. You shall be the champion in May. That is what has happened today.

Have you seen enough up until now that, with this group of players, you couldn't be a champion or do you think...
[Responding to signing players] ...Yes, but that is not the question because I know that before this game. Also, with other players it is always a question of if we can play like a team and if we can reach the level [I demand]. Today, we didn't reach that level. Then you cannot play as a team as easily. We saw that today. In spite of that, we could have won. But when you don't play like a team, when you miss chances, then it is very difficult because every team shall create possibilities or chances against you.

Was this result a reminder to the supporters what a big job you have at this club?
I have said that in former press conferences because, with our wins in the United States and against Valencia at Old Trafford, the expectations are so high. That was something I saw in the first half. I saw a lot of players looking very nervous, making the wrong choices and that is a pity. But also these players have to forget that expectation because that is Manchester United. You have to cope with that pressure. That is also a process.

Do you feel you need new faces at the club?
Yes, but I have thought that before this match, so it is no different. When we were playing in the US, I thought the same. I know in what positions we need better players. But you have to buy only when the player can fulfil the way of playing that I ask. We have to wait and see. But we could have won today.

Ideally, how many players would you like to sign before the end of the transfer window?
No, I don't discuss that with you. I am sorry. I said that yesterday, I believe you were also at the press conference because I remember your face. So I said the same.

But you do need players...
That is the wrong tendency of this press conference. I thought that in the United States of America, but you make a relationship with this match. No, it is not like that.

You changed formation at half-time. Do you think you will change back [to a back three] in the next game?
That is the kind of question I had at the World Championships from my Dutch friends. I think that we can do it with both systems. You have seen the first half that we were not playing very well and we were behind. That is why I changed the system – to the system Manchester United have always played – then I changed it again. I do everything to win. To my players, I said it in the dressing room, I cannot say you did not give your utmost. Unbelievable - what a fantastic mentality they have shown. But reaching the level is different. Not only running but also using your brain. Then you can play like a team and, at that, we have failed today.

What did you think of Swansea's performance?
Swansea did not have so much pressure [on them]. They have defended and they played the counter-attack. You have seen that. That is always easier than to make the game. That shall always be like that. The defensive team, when they are scoring or when they are keeping a 0-0 scoreline, they have a lot of possibilities. Swansea did not have a lot of chances but they scored two goals. That, in football, is always the decider.

What did you say during the half-time break?
During the break, I always look at the future. I thought only about the change of system and how they have to act in that system. That is what you have to do, you have to help your players. I mentioned that the pressure was maybe high for them, but I saw also a great mentality in the second half. It was not enough today because we didn't reach our level. That's the main reason why we failed.

Will Robin van Persie be available next week?
That is also a question because we have lost. I think players have to be fit. I could not use Fellaini or Januzaj from the first minute because they came back late from the World Cup. Van Persie was a week later than these guys. I think always you have to be fit. But have been training with Robin now for three weeks. So the point that he can come into the selection is closer.