‘They’ll win it, ‘ he told The Times in an exclusive interview.
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Instead the Blues are likely to focus much of their attention on their respective cup campaigns in the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup this term, in the hope of salvaging some silverware to make up for a thoroughly disappointing domestic league season. “With a flawless pre-season you are prepared for a long, long journey”.
The Chelsea v Manchester City tie on Sunday is undoubtedly the highlight.
“We’re only scrapping replays for the top four teams”. If City can keep that trio healthy then they might at least have the slightest outside chance. “How many matches are we talking about?” Managers threatening to play a weakened team in the FA Cup has become a familiar sound in recent seasons and Manuel Pellegrini joined the chorus ahead of Manchester City’s fifth-round tie away to Chelsea on Sunday.
In other countries in which I have played or managed, things are different.
“For me, I must do what I feel is best for the club, to play with the strongest team we can in the Champions League”. The 34-year-old has hinted at a move to the Premier League and United could be his destination on a one-year deal, reports the Mirror. “I know how pivotal the work I did was for them to be in the situation they’re in now”. Over the next nine matches, they are going to face teams outside the top eight.
Now, I don’t believe in tiredness.
Ironically, the match sometimes dubbed as the greatest comeback in FA Cup history wouldn’t have taken place under a no-replay system. Sometimes the FA Cup simply comes down to which manager wants it more.
For the lower leagues it remains a vital lifeline and this is where the real damage would be done if the English FA caves in and messes with the FA Cup schedule. They’re concentrating on themselves, playing to their strengths and their identity, whereas, to me, a lot of other sides have lost their way.
It’s nearly ridiculous to think about how excited I used to get to see two grown men drawing numbered balls out of a pot to find out whether my team would be up against a minnow or a giant in the third round draw.
However, with a somewhat inconsistent pair in front of him and, more to the point, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar to fend off, one can’t help but feel Arsenal are doomed for a knockout stage exit once again.
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“We’re going into the final third of the season”.
