Talking Heads: FA Cup Final Previews From Both Dressing Rooms
- Leicester City meet Chelsea in the final of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday (5:15pm BST kick-off)
- The Foxes defeated the Blues at King Power Stadium in the Premier League earlier in 2020/21
- Managers Brendan Rodgers and Thomas Tuchel have been speaking in the media this week
- City centre-back Jonny Evans and Blues defender Reece James also previewed the clash over the past days
The Foxes, who lead the west London outfit in the Premier League standings by just two points, go into the clash on the back of Tuesday's 2-1 win at Manchester United, while the Blues were narrowly beaten by Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening.
On Saturday, though, a major piece of silverware is at stake. Ahead of the showpiece at Wembley Stadium, key figures from both clubs have been speaking in the media - and here's what they've said...
Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers on the challenge he expects Chelsea to pose: "We know we have to play really well against an outstanding team, but our ambition is to win. We’ve come so far this season in all the competitions. We now arrive in a final and, for us and our mindset, it’s not just enough to arrive there. I know everyone thinks it’s great to get to the final, but our ambition is to win it. We have to do everything we can in order to be able to do that. We’ll do everything and, if luck goes our way, it gives us the possibility. If we don’t, okay, we’ve given our all and that’s all you can do."
Thomas Tuchel, the Chelsea manager, said on Friday: “I am not yet in the mode to enjoy it. I still have a bit of a hangover from the last defeat (vs. Arsenal). It’s always like this. I am a bit more in angry mode, not at myself or the players, just because of the opportunity we missed. When we arrive at the hotel I will hopefully transform it into a good preparation and push the team to the edge so they play sharp. This is my responsibility. We have to show a reaction. It’s a big match, an FA Cup final, my first final here in England. It’s huge, but I will never get carried away with the emotions tomorrow. I am fully focused to prepare my team better than we did two days ago.”
Leicester centre-back Jonny Evans, who has won two League Cups but not the FA Cup, told LCFC TV: We’re expecting a really, really tough match. The last time we played Chelsea, I think it was one of the last games with Frank Lampard. I thought we played really well, but since the new coach has come in, he’s given them a new tactical dimension. When you get into a final, a lot of things go out the window. A lot of it is about effort and we know from the semi-final how big the Wembley pitch is. It’s one of the longest pitches in England, so you have to work very hard for anything you get."
Blues defender and England international Reece James, speaking to chelseafc.com, added: "I have always dreamed about playing in finals for Chelsea. As a Chelsea fan growing up, it has always been my dream to win trophies for the club I support. Growing up as a kid I watched the first team lift many trophies, and even coming through the Academy we lifted many trophies and played in many finals and won many competitions. It’s part of Chelsea’s DNA to win trophies, and hopefully this season we can replicate that."
You can get final-ready with a 2020/21 Emirates FA Cup King Power shirt – complete with sleeve badges – all at 50 per cent off, as well as items from our official FA Cup range, online or in the Foxes Fanstore, now!