Karl Robinson, head coach of Salford City, feels his team is in a stronger position than last year as they prepare to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup fourth round this weekend.
Robinson, who recently extended his contract with the club, was at the helm when Salford suffered an 8-0 defeat at the same venue during last season’s FA Cup third round.
Advertisement
“We can’t predict a completely different outcome,” Robinson told BBC Radio Manchester. “While we hope for a more favorable scoreline, many may not realize just how much this club has progressed in the past year.
“This time, we enter the match with significantly more respect from the footballing community than the last time we were featured prominently. As a football club, this is yet another milestone, and we are genuinely looking forward to returning there.”
Robinson reflects on the lessons learned from last season’s heavy cup loss to City.
Advertisement
“My primary goal is to ensure we enjoy ourselves, represent our badge with pride, give our all for the fans, and compete in every aspect of the match. Then we’ll refocus on our upcoming match against Newport on Tuesday,” he stated.
Since taking charge of the Greater Manchester club in January 2024, Robinson has led them to an eighth-place finish last season and they are currently sixth in the fourth tier, just five points shy of the automatic promotion spots with a game in hand.
The club has not disclosed the duration of Robinson’s new contract.
‘Challenge Yourself’
Salford City, co-owned by legendary Manchester United players Gary Neville and David Beckham, achieved an impressive feat by winning four promotions in five seasons, reaching the Football League in 2019.
Advertisement
This year marks Salford City’s first appearance in the FA Cup fourth round, following their debut in the third round last season.
The last instance of a fourth division side or lower eliminating a team in the top three of the Premier League was in February 1971, when Colchester United triumphed over league-leaders Leeds United in the fifth round.
Robinson is determined to challenge this narrative: “This is a remarkable chapter in the club’s history, and we recognize that this weekend will be a tough test. The outcome may seem predictable to many, but I want people to understand that Salford is a genuine force. I believe we are a club that will be significant in the future.
Advertisement
“Life is about embracing opportunities, even against overwhelming odds. Isn’t that what defines living? It’s time to truly challenge ourselves in extraordinary circumstances against some of the best players in the world—Ballon d’Or winners, multiple Premier League champions, and a manager widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time.”