Gaffers pre-match comments – FA CUP

Wigan are the visitors in todays’ FA CUP 5th round clash at the John Smiths Stadium, with the Latics expected to bring a good following with them only being 30 miles down the M62.

Huddersfield have seen Mark Robins take charge this week, and it is his first game in charge at Huddersfield against Wigan, in a competition he has already been knocked out of this season whilst at Coventry City.

Town Manager Mark Robins.

“I`ve been knocked out of the FA Cup already this season by Tottenham at White Hart Lane!”

“This is a different challenge; Roberto`s teams always play good football and it is a game to look forward to.

“I think all games have to be viewed as an opportunity and we get to put our wits against Premier League opposition. We were possibly un-fancied the other night against a Leicester side that has been flying, especially as the side suffered a heavy defeat there earlier in the season, but they went there and played really well. From what I saw in the second half, the players were more than worth the win.

“This game allows me to have a look at the players, but we want to try and progress. We have another game pretty quickly after Sunday, so hopefully we can get them recovered and get them ready for the game on Tuesday.

“We`ll prepare the team as best we can for Sunday – let`s hope we don`t get too much more snow!”


Wigan boss Roberto Martinez


‘We need to do what is needed for our team.

‘We have benefited from changes in the Cup because we have seen what the youngsters can do.

‘We should be able to give opportunities to youngsters in the Cup. Building a squad to do that is something I have wanted to do with the club.

‘We are in a key moment of the season. We are in the final third of the Premier League. Changes does not mean we do not take a team seriously.

‘I think we all saw in the previous rounds. Making changes or not does not guarantee anything. Top teams have been knocked out with full squads.

‘What is important is that we don’t let one competition to take away for the other.

‘We could never pay the price for trying to have a success in a cup competition.

‘As a football club you can only have success in the Cup when you have a big enough squad to cope with three or four competitions.

‘If we got to the moment that we are getting weakened by your efforts in the Cup, we are not helping ourselves. The squad has been reacting really well so far, though. ‘

‘If we get through, the problem arises when you have three games in a week.

‘It would be irresponsible of me not to look after these players and make sure we give the players the opportunity to perform at the same level in every game they go into. ‘


It is expected that Wigan won’t name a full strength side for the cup clash as they fight to retain their Premier league Status.

That been said they possess enough players and a brand of passing play that will certainly give Huddersfield manager Mark Robins a stern test in what his his debut game at the helm.