Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Ramos spoke to the media in the mixed zone after Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
Reporter: Going back to that conceded goal, from your perspective, what exactly happened on the field? Because it looked like there was a miscommunication between you and Lisandro Martínez?
Ramos: I haven't watched the replay yet, but I don't think it was really a miscommunication. First, I think the opponent's cross should have been blocked. We needed to put more defensive pressure on the player with the ball because he had too much time to cross. Then in the box, there was intense physical contact and pulling between the opponent's forward and Lisandro Martínez. I think the opponent definitely took advantage of the situation. But I still don't believe it was a miscommunication.
Reporter: How do you evaluate the team's overall performance today? Tottenham Hotspur completely dominated in the first 25 to 30 minutes.
Ramos: Yes, I think everyone saw in the first half that we need to do better in both phases, with and without the ball. Tottenham Hotspur was tactically very well set up, and their high press made it difficult for us to play the ball out.
At halftime, we made tactical adjustments, and the substitutions also helped the team a lot. Then you could see that we turned the game around and felt like we were in control again.
So next time we must try to start with this intensity, get into the rhythm from the first whistle, especially here at this ground. We must actively press the opponent and control the tempo of the game.
Reporter: Can you talk about the two substitutes? Baleba and Zirkzee seemed to make an immediate difference when they came on. Will this be key for the team's future? Will they be core strength to maintain this high intensity?
Ramos: Yes, that's very important. A positive aspect of today's game, without a doubt, was that they came on as substitutes and helped us immensely; everyone saw that.
We really needed that extra energy and physical boost in the final stages. I'm also very happy that they were able to show their capabilities. But we see their abilities every day in training, so it's no surprise to us.
We know the team has great squad depth. In this long season, everyone must be ready to step up at any time, and I'm glad they did that today.
Reporter: Sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to ask for your thoughts on the defense's performance so far this season. It feels like the team has had several defensive errors or moments of poor coordination. From your position as goalkeeper, how do you see this? What kind of communication do you usually have about it?
Ramos: Yes, I agree with you. I think sometimes the final outcome might be attributed to a specific detail or an individual player's mistake, but the problem isn't usually caused by a single point. It's a collective defensive issue. The coach has been repeatedly emphasizing the importance of the entire team defending collaboratively, being able to continuously put pressure on opponents, especially in limiting crosses from the flanks.
I think there was overall improvement today compared to before, but in the end, as you saw, with one quality cross and a precise header, a game can be lost that way, or a victory that was within reach can slip away.
So I understand what you mean, but we've been working hard to improve this, and I think things have gotten better. However, it's truly regrettable, especially in the final moments of the game, that victory slipped through our fingers.
Reporter: Looking at the upcoming schedule, the situation is not optimistic. You have three very tough away games in a row. A draw like today's can feel as frustrating as a loss in some ways. How can the entire team maintain a positive mindset?
Ramos: To be honest, you can look at this from two angles. We know the upcoming schedule is extremely packed, with games coming one after another. After a disappointing result, you can either dwell on that frustration or quickly adjust your mindset because the next tough battle is just around the corner.
For me personally, if I don't perform ideally in a game, I'm especially eager for the next game to come quickly to wash away that bitter feeling. So that's the mindset we all need to have as a team.
We know the team also showed many positives today, so we need to take those positive aspects and learn from our shortcomings. As you said, the upcoming games are crucial, but we also crave playing at this high level.
Last season we fought hard to earn the right to play in European competitions, so we cherish this opportunity very much. If you want to go further in the competition, you must win these tough matches ahead.
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