Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson (Image: PA)
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson (Image: PA)
PHIL PARKINSON says Wrexham have got "nothing to lose and everything to gain" when they face Club World Cup champions Chelsea in the FA Cup.
The Reds put their quest for a Championship play-off spot on hold when they face the Premier League giants at The Racecourse in Saturday's mouthwatering fifth round tie.
Wrexham have a proud tradition in the competition with no shortage of famous upsets and it will be another prized scalp if Parkinson's men add the Blues to the list.
The odds are against Parkinson's side progressing to the quarter-finals for the fourth time in the club's history but the 58-year-old has just urged his players to give a good account of themselves when the face Liam Rosenior's star-studded side.
"We'll be going all out to produce a really good performance, and we'll see where that takes us on the night," he said.
"But we know we've got to respect Chelsea.What a squad of players they've got. They've spent billions over the last 10 years.
"It's great to see a young, English manager given the opportunity and we're just looking forward to it.
"Have a good week's training, and go in just ready to play with nothing to lose and everything to gain on Saturday night."
Parkinson didn't want his side to lose focus in the league once the cup draw was made and after drawing 2-2 at Bristol City who scored a last-gasp equaliser, Wrexham won three games in a week to stay in the top-six.
Now he says his players can enjoy the magic of the cup knowing they are in an excellent position in the Championship when the promotion push continues.
"When the draw came out, everybody was really excited about it. It was a brilliant draw," he added.
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"The FA Cup is there to have a mental break from the league but equally, we didn't want in between that to distract from the league form, and that has been terrific.
"We've done our bit in the league, now I just want us to enjoy the build up for this high profile game against a great team.
"They are Club World Cup champions - I don't think we should forget that - so statistically we are playing the best club in the world."