Mark Robins says he is ‘excited’ as he prepares to lead his side out at Wembley in an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United.
City will take on the Red Devils on Sunday afternoon, as they look to reach the FA Cup final for the first time since 1987.
Robins is under no illusion of the challenge that awaits his side, as they face United, 12-time winners of the competition.
Speaking ahead of the game, Robins previewed what will be a special day for him and the Sky Blues.
The FA Cup semi-final…
“I’m excited. It’s a brilliant opportunity for everyone and there’s a lot of excitement around the City and it’s the first time we’ve been in the semi-final since 1987.
It’s not a normal occasion for us, for Manchester United its normal for them. They have some England internationals and other internationals who have played at Wembley and for them it’s an expectation and for their supporters, so for us its slightly different, although we’ve been four times in the last seven years.
We’ve had an experience of Wembley, varying levels of success, other than last year it’s been very positive, and we look forward to this weekend.
We know the challenge and there’s no doubt that’s huge, majorly significant, but we’re looking forward to it.”
The challenge that awaits his side…
“It’s about them and how they can settle and what we can do. We want to take part in the game when we can do.
It’s a difficult challenge, there’s no doubt about it. I hear people saying Manchester United are this or that, but the truth of it is they have top, top players.
We have to be able to deal with the situation and deal with Manchester United and the threat they pose and that’s a significant one.”
An opportunity for City…
“We have to be right. We’ve lost three of our last four and that’s not brilliant form at this stage of the season.
When people speak about us, they say, was there one eye on this game, I doubt it, although you could be forgiven to thinking about the game before it’s been played.
The game will be a really good game and it’s brilliant for us and our supporters and the world will be tuning in and it’s a great occasion for us and all of our players.”
Facing Manchester United…
“We have to go into this game understanding what the treats are and there are significant ones because they have top players.
For people who say Manchester United are this and that and concede a lot of shots, you’re talking about a team that are full of talented top international players, that play at that level every week.
For us, we know they are clearly favourites to win this game, by a million miles and they are expected to win, and we know that and what we are likely to encounter, but we have to play a part in the game.
We have to understand what the game will be and what the occasion is. There shouldn’t be any fear and it will be one of the biggest games most of our players will have played in.
It’s only the second time in our history we have reached an FA Cup semi-final, so can we go and take that to another level.
It will be an interesting game, but one we have to enjoy and give everything we possibly can.”
Coming up against the side he started his playing career at…
“I don’t think about that. I’m proud to lead the team out at Wembley again.
I’m proud of everyone, it’s always a team effort. The fans have been incredible on this journey and the players have been outstanding, as have the staff and everyone behind it.
It’s been a proper team effort, and it always is. It’s a game where, what can we do to effect it in a positive way and that’s the challenge for me and for Adi and all the staff.
Certainly, for the players when the whistle goes, it’s down to them to execute a game plan and if they can do that properly, then they stand a chance.”
