The overriding message from Salford City manager Karl Robinson’s press conference ahead of a second FA Cup game against Manchester City in two seasons was that this time will be different.
On Saturday, he will share the touchline with Pep Guardiola for the fifth time. While in charge of Oxford United, during a brief spell as Sam Allardyce’s assistant manager at Leeds United and then as the Ammies’ boss, he’s been beaten by the Catalan four times by a 16-2 aggregate scoreline.
According to Robinson, this is not only because of the strength in depth Guardiola has at his disposal, but is also a reflection of how seriously he takes the competition.
“He never takes a risk in the FA Cup. Exeter, Salford, Leyton Orient against Oxford twice and then beating Salford 8-0 last year, that is what makes him different. He respects the heritage of the competition and our culture,” the 45-year-old said.
Guardiola was typically ruthless with his team selection when Salford were routed at the Etihad in the third round of the FA Cup a season ago, naming Champions League winners Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish and Ederson in a star-studded lineup.
It’s for this reason that the Salford boss joked he would like to play “anyone but Manchester City” when asked ahead of their 4-0 win over League One Leyton Orient in the second round.
But, with 5,000 Ammies fans to descend on the Etihad Stadium for the rematch this Saturday, Robinson explained the team will begin the game with a “different mindset” this time around.
The five-game winless run that followed Salford’s defeat to Manchester City dealt a major blow to their League Two promotion chances in a season where they narrowly missed out on a play-off spot on the final day.
Robinson hinted that the club have thought about how to minimise the damage from another heavy defeat and maximise the enjoyment of a glamour tie against a side challenging for the Premier League.
“We have learned because of the consequences of last year,” he said. “We will go in there with a very clean method of what we want to do and how we’re going to put one foot back in front of the other the next day.”
Robinson was keen to remember what came before the moment his side were drawn against Manchester City on television. Salford overcame three teams ranked higher than them in the pyramid to reach the fourth round for the first time in the club’s 86-year history.
“We are a completely different football club; we are better 12 months on. Let’s celebrate that rather than being scared of them.”
He began to smile when asked if he had allowed himself to dream of leading the most remarkable FA Cup upset from within the club bar overlooking Salford City’s pitch.
“Everybody goes to bed the night before with that last thought of what if, which is always a nice way to end your day and to get excited about the next day. So, I don’t think you should ever turn up if you think you’re completely beaten – and we’ll definitely turn up.”
