Nuno Espirito Santo will not be taking the FA Cup lightly, which is an interesting stance to take given what lies ahead for West Ham United this season.
For many, the club’s priority will be that West Ham United ensure Premier League safety.
For others, the chance to compete for a major trophy goes beyond everything else.
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A general view of the FA Cup trophy at Wembley.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
There’s a logic to both arguments as West Ham head into an FA Cup quarter-final against Leeds on Sunday.
Nuno, however, was clear in his stance on it all.
Nuno says the FA Cup matters for West Ham United
Speaking ahead of West Ham versus Leeds, Nuno said: “Let’s prepare it. We know what it means for our fans. It’s in the London Stadium, it’s been great for us to play at home.
“We expect support. We know it’s a big night. Let’s enjoy it and play it.”
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He also said: “We have to play the game. You keep insisting and telling me what is ahead. Let’s play the game.
“It’s going to be a tough one. Leeds is a good team, they have their own ambitions, so it’s going to be a very, very intense game.”
That will no doubt be music to the ears of some supporters. Indeed, winning in the FA Cup this season has helped West Ham improve their Premier League form, and a victory against a relegation rival in the shape of Leeds could be a major mental boost for the players.
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A graphic showing West Ham United's ideal XI against Leeds in the FA Cup.
Credit; GRV Media
While it is certainly understandable that some fans would want to wrap the players in the proverbial cotton wool ahead of the final seven games of the league season, others may be dreaming about a return to Wembley.
It has been 20 long years since West Ham reached the semi-finals of this competition and it’s only right that Nuno takes the job seriously.
West Ham United head coach Nuno Espirito Santo speaking during a press conference.
Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
That’s not to say that he shouldn’t rotate his options at all, just that this game should not be looked at as a burden.
Progress in the FA Cup and Premier League survival do not have to be mutually exclusive, after all.
A win on Sunday could indeed improve West Ham’s chances of avoiding the dreaded drop.
The West Ham manager has a duty here. This is a home game in an important competition and he cannot just tank the game to focus on something else.
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