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Louis van Gaal admits he was “stupid” to suggest he should be judged on his first three months at Manchester United.
Van Gaal said it would take three months to measure his impact at Old Trafford and, with that period now up, United are sixth in the Premier League table ahead of tonight’s clash at West Brom.
The Dutchman believes it will take time to impose his philosophy and he has asked for patience following an indifferent start to the season.
“I have said it was very stupid to say three months because then you [the media] are only talking about three months,” said the United boss.
“It is always the performance that counts but the performance always goes up and down. Then we rise. When that date is, or what that match is, depends.”
United are 11 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea and Van Gaal does not believe his side are ready to challenge for the title. He said: “Every team can win, you have your hopes, but I do think there are stronger teams now in the world. We have to make a team. That is why I have a period of three years. I hope we can fulfil that dream that we have together.”
United face Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday and have the benefit of not playing a midweek Champions League game. Chelsea face Maribor at Stamford Bridge tomorrow night but Van Gaal does not think an extra day of rest gives his side an advantage.
He said: “A training session is different to a match. You cannot simulate a match rhythm. We try to but it is different. I have said before, when you can play the Champions League — also the Europa League — you can compare yourself as a team with better players, with a higher level.
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“I think when you are in the Champions League and it is going well you beat the opponents, you are coming into a flow, then it is not so bad to play all the matches.
“Maybe in my first year I have more chances to train with my players. That is probably better than all the matches. Maybe. But at the end it is always better to play in the Champions League and in the cup, and all the matches.”
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