Share

Pochettino downplays Wembley factor in Man Utd FA Cup semi

London - Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino does not believe playing at Wembley will give his side an advantage in Saturday's blockbuster FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United.

Spurs, playing at Wembley this season while their new stadium is being built, will be on familiar turf, although using the away dressing room, but Pochettino insists it will be a level playing field against Jose Mourinho's side.

"Of course, we feel at home," the Argentine said at his pre-match press conference on Thursday. "But it's different to when we play in the Premier League.

"I don't believe (we will have an advantage) because Manchester United have the experience to play at Wembley too. It's not an event just for us.

"I think it will be a typical cup game at Wembley - half Tottenham and half Manchester United. I don't believe we are going to have some advantage for that."

The Spurs boss does not believe winning the FA Cup would change the club, even though their trophy cabinet has been empty for a decade.

"It's fantastic if Southampton, Chelsea, Manchester United or Tottenham will win the FA Cup," he said. "Is it going to change our life? I don't believe, I don't believe. Who needs it more? I don't know.

"We are going to try and fight to win, but it is not about need or not need, it's about a title that would be fantastic to finish the season, play in the final and win the trophy.

"At the end it would be fantastic to finish the season with a trophy. I don't think it's about need or not need."

The other semi-final, on Sunday, sees Chelsea take on relegation-threatened Southampton.

 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE