Locadia Reflects On Old Trafford Memories

Brighton & Hove Albion striker Jurgen Locadia reflected on his first visit to Old Trafford with PSV Eindhoven back in 2015, after Chris Hughton’s team were drawn against Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup quarter-finals.

The Dutchman, who became Albion’s club-record signing last month, played 90 minutes at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ as his former club held the Red Devils to a goalless draw in the  Champions League group stages.

The Seagulls will take on Jose Mourinho’s men in the final eight of the FA Cup next month, and Locadia hopes to achieve another positive result this time around, with a semi-final trip to Wembley Stadium up for grabs.

He said, “I think it’s a big game for us, especially playing at Old Trafford. I played there once in the Champions League with PSV and it’s a nice stadium.

“We drew that game [0-0] and we played very well. We had many opportunities to score a goal, but we defended well and it was a nice game from our side.

“My first game in England was against Norwich City in a friendly, but it obviously didn’t compare to going to Old Trafford in the Champions League - it was a massive game.

“There were a lot of fans there, but I enjoy playing under pressure, so it was a nice experience.

“Wembley is also a historic stadium and it would be very special for any player to play there [if Albion reach the semi-finals].”

Locadia fired home Albion’s opening goal on his debut for the club against Coventry City on Saturday, but the 24-year-old stressed there is more to come, after enjoying his first taste of Amex action.

“I watched the games against Chelsea and West Ham, so I experienced being in the stadium, but on the field it’s a very different feeling. I enjoyed every second when I played on Saturday.

“I think I need a couple of games to get into a rhythm. This was my first game since December, so I think it was a good start for me.

“It was hard at the beginning, because there’s a big difference between the training in Holland. We train much harder and longer over here, but I’m getting used to that.”

Hughton’s men welcome a rejuvenated Swansea City side to the south coast on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League, and Locadia highlighted the balance between scoring goals and keeping clean sheets.

“The team started the season well and hit a little dip around December, but we’re now five games unbeaten and we’ve been playing well and scoring goals.

“Every game we get chances to score goals, but we need to keep the zero as well [clean sheet], because that’s just as important.”