Van Gaal: Tactics Win Derbies, Not Emotions

Louis van Gaal admits he is approaching Sunday’s Manchester derby from a tactical viewpoint and has instructed his players to ignore the emotion of the occasion at all times.

The United boss accepts the magnitude of this historic fixture has a particular resonance with Reds supporters around the world and admits he has been impressed by the passionate manner in which assistant manager Ryan Giggs has delivered his pre-match analysis during the week.

However, having taken charge of many emotionally charged matches throughout his career, van Gaal is understandably keen for his squad to retain optimum focus at the Etihad Stadium - where he believes a positive team performance could lead to a priceless victory over Manuel Pellegrini’s champions.

“That is also a main point in our preparation,” he explained, when quizzed on the possibility of emotions overriding tactics. “You know that this is more of an emotional game and we don't want a red card because when it is 11 against 10 it shall be difficult to win this game, so that is also a part of our preparation.”

Asked what kind of team talk he will deliver before kick-off, he continued: “I have to look and analyse what the atmosphere is like. Then I shall say things that are adequate for that moment in my opinion. But the tactical way is always the most important way. We have to play like a team and when we do that we have a bigger chance to win.”

While speaking to reporters on Friday, the manager was also asked how he assessed the quality of United and City’s differing squads and gave a typically honest answer. “I am not jealous of the squad of Manchester City,” he explained. “I am proud of my players and that is the most important thing. When we play like a team we have a big chance to win."

United head into Sunday’s match on the back of a dramatic 1-1 draw with Chelsea, which has provided something of a shot in the arm for everybody associated with the club.

In contrast, City are without a win in three and Pellegrini’s team are certainly under pressure to bounce back. With momentum on his side, van Gaal is optimistic that his side can defeat their closest and fiercest rivals.

“We are waiting on that boost because that can give you more than only the result,” he explained. “We have played very well against West Brom and we played a draw against Chelsea, nobody expected that result but for me it was not enough. Maybe the result against Manchester City shall give us that boost.”