Erik ten Hag has defended Casemiro’s ability to play as a makeshift centre-back even after his error leading to Arsenal’s goal in the 1-0 win over Man United. The Brazilian midfielder was too slow in moving out of the penalty area and completely ruined the Red Devils’ defensive line, helping Kai Havertz set up the goal......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
After the game, Ten Hag was asked about Casemiro’s recent performances and answered: “It’s small detail, one layer makes a mistake and it opens up. Before that in possession we could have done better in better positions and better options. It’s details.
“He can do that [play in defence]. On Monday, obviously it was not his night but it was collectively a poor performance. He can play in that position and today he was in the right level.
“Attitude, always starts with the right attitude. That’s what we have to build during the week. Matchday, you have to be spot on. Today we did. When you’re missing seven starting players, we are competitive with one of the best teams in the league.
“It’s about execution, when you don’t have the right attitude, when you don’t have the right press, it makes it easy for any opponent. That situation is a midfielder making a small mistake, that has hard consequences.”
He added that it’s not unnatural for a midfielder like Casemiro to make errors as a centre-back, adding: “We’ve talked all season about this. To have a backline who play together regularly and have routines is obviously better.
“You need players who have confidence to play there, we have players playing in positions who are not used to them and then you make mistakes. At a high level you are punished. Or you have to play players who are not fit. That’s the situation we are in.”
With Man United’s injury troubles showing little signs of going away, Casemiro might have to continue playing as a centre-back for the remaining matches of the season.
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