Mark Robinson has urged his AFC Wimbledon U18 stars to give it their all tonight as they attempt to get past Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup.
The young Dons have already beaten Woking (4-0). Ebbsfleet United (2-0), Watford (2-2, on penalties) and Newcastle United (2-1), but now they face their biggest hurdle.
However, after overcoming a jittery atmosphere when Chelsea were confirmed as their next opponents, Robinson knows his charges cannot wait for the action to begin.
He said: “Ahead of the Watford and Newcastle games, the lads were relaxed and looking forward to it.
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“A lot of them watched Chelsea beat Manchester United in the previous round, and some anxiety crept into the training and they were getting into each other a bit more.
“I brought forward a meeting to discuss the game and air some concerns, and since then they have changed their approach and I know they cannot wait for the game now.”
He added: “I have been impressed with how they have approached the games, especially at Newcastle, where we were not expected to win.
“But they are a good group with good character. They don’t get above themselves, and how they have dealt with the games has shocked me.
“They are mature and show a real level of professionalism, and they kept to the plans we gave them really well.”
Those plans will be all the more important once the action kicks off tonight (7.05pm) at the Cherry Red Records stadium.
Robinson added: “My message in the dressing room before the game will be don’t leave anything on the pitch, and don’t play the occasion.
“We’ve not done that yet in the cup, we’ve always stuck to the plan, but if we don’t stick to the plan against Chelsea, then we’re limited our chances.
“They stuck to the plan at Newcastle, and now they have to do it again.”
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