Ten Hag: "I think it doesn't mean when you are captain you are established to play always, especially when you also have [Raphaël] Varane in your squad."
Seems like ETH has a personality disorder, which might actually help do a good job.
He might be one of those high functionining autistic savants.
The way he uses language is very smart. In the above quote he expresses it as if he was not the one making the decision. As if he has no agency.
That sidesteps the issue with the press and does not set the player up against ETH in the minds of observers.
He speaks as if it is a natural law of the universe.
He also lies straight to journos without blinking. without GAF ... and seemlingly doesn't care whether the believe him or not.
That is good use of press conference protocol, where he knows joutnos are not going to straight out call him a liar.
All good attributes for the challenge ahead.
I used to work with a guy like that. He literally didn't care what anyone else thought about him.