Club news

Huenemeier: We've The Chance To Do Something Special

By Alex Stedman • 13 February 2018

Brighton & Hove Albion defender Uwe Huenemeier recognises that the side have another chance to progress in this season's Emirates FA Cup when they host Coventry City on Saturday.

The Seagulls entertain the Sky Blues in the last 16 of the historic competition at the Amex Stadium at the weekend, and the German insisted that victory in the last round had the team believing they could achieve something special in the tournament this year.

He said’ “After the last game [against Middlesbrough] I think we all realised that we have a big opportunity to go far in this competition – if you win an away game like that and then get a bit of luck with a home tie in the draw you do start to think you can go all the way.

“Now we have to make the most of the draw, we know we’re favourites but we must be ready – there are two more steps to Wembley. 

“It’s getting to an exciting stage now and hopefully we can continue our progress.

“Maybe when you start out in the competition you’re not thinking that far ahead and you look to take it game by game, but we still have to take it steadily - we’re all excited by how we’re doing in this competition.”

Chris Hughton has made changes for both the third round victory over Crystal Palace, and the aforementioned success at the Riverside Stadium last month, and the central defender highlighted the depth and quality within the squad as one of the main factors of the success. 

“We’re on a good run in the competition so far and for us it’s a big opportunity to get to the quarter-final stage now.

“The club hasn’t been there for a while so it’s a good chance to do that – we’ve changed the side for the games in the tournament so far and we’ve got good competition in the squad – everyone who hasn’t played a lot is proving themselves. 

“I think at the moment it’s easy for the manager to swap players for league and cup matches respectively because we have a big and healthy squad. 

This weekend’s opponents ply their trade in Sky Bet League Two, but have already claimed a Premier League scalp with a 2-1 victory over Stoke City back at the start of January. 

Huenemeier stressed the importance of professionalism ahead of the contest in a tournament renowned for producing those kinds of results. 

“They’ve already knocked out Stoke City this season – that’s what this tournament is all about and that’s what makes it special. 

“Smaller sides can beat the bigger ones, as that result shows, and that’s just how it is because it gives sides that opportunity. 

“But we must prepare as best we can, we’ll name a strong line-up and there will be a good crowd. 

“I’ve read about the tickets being sold, so both us and the fans are looking forward to it and we just want to keep on progressing. 

“We don’t take anything for granted and our preparations will be the same – they’ve [Coventry City] performed well so far and are well supported.”