Cristian previews Sheffield United: “The FA Cup is an important target for us”
Tue 28 February 2023, 22:02|
Tottenham Hotspur
Cristian Stellini is calling on the squad to carry the positive momentum built up over the last two home games out onto the road when we visit Sheffield United in the FA Cup on Wednesday night (7.55pm UK).
Back-to-back 2-0 wins over London rivals West Ham United and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have lifted us four points clear of fifth-placed Newcastle United in the Premier League and we go to Bramall Lane with optimism as attentions now turn back to cup action and a chance to reach the last eight of a competition that appears to be wide open heading into the latter stages.
Our opponents on Wednesday sit second in the Championship and got back to winning ways with a 1-0 home victory over Watford on Saturday, having slipped to consecutive defeats the previous week.
Assistant Head Coach Cristian, who continues to deputise for Antonio Conte, believes it’s important for the squad to continue to build momentum in order to give ourselves a chance of success in this famous old competition.
At Sheffield United it will not be easy because the atmosphere in the stadium is tough, but we want to perform well.
“It’s important to bring the energy we used on the pitch in the last two matches at home now that we are away in another stadium,” he told SPURSPLAY after training on Tuesday.
“We know very well that at Sheffield United it will not be easy because the atmosphere in the stadium is tough, but we want to perform well.
“It’s a type of competition that we take very seriously so it will be an important game for the reason that the FA Cup is an important target for us and also because we are building momentum. We want to continue with this momentum, we want to continue to play well, to win games and if you win games, there arrives a time where you can win something.”
Taking nothing for granted as we prepare to face a tough Blades outfit, Cristian is maintaining a confident approach as we look to take another step towards lifting a trophy we haven’t got our hands on since 1991.
“We have to look at the teams that are in the last 16 – we have to believe that we can do it,” he said. “We have to win the next game to progress and then we will see what happens in the future. The players are feeling good, the team is ready, we will make some changes like normal when you play three matches in a week but like every time, we will pick the best team to try to win the game.”
