⏪ Coaches from across English football speak ahead of FA Cup weekend | OneFootball

Stay up-to-date with all the goings on in English football as coaches from across the pyramid speak ahead of FA Cup third round weekend.

And with that folks, we are done for the day. Thanks for being with us today and make sure you stay on the app this weekend for all the best coverage of the third round weekend.

Fletcher on the importance of the academy at Old Trafford ...

"I think historically this club is built around the academy, we've got an amazing academy, our record speaks for itself.

"I can’t stand here and say anything other than that. We’ve got an amazing record which is hard to beat. We have some amazing players with some amazing talent, what I see is a lot of hard work, humble young players who aren’t perfect because they’re young and learning.

"We ask too much of young people in society at times, and in general. We have to let them learn, educate them, help them, understand they will make mistakes.

"With good guidance, all of us play a part in developing them to be Manchester United players and people. My working with them as individuals and throughout the academy I deal with hard-working, honest and coachable, super-talented kids.

"We have a lot of talent in our academy and hopefully they can showcase themselves like Shea [Lacey] did."

Conversations with Mainoo ...

"He seems in a good place. Kobbie doesn’t give you much. He’s like that, it’s just his natural way, I know him well, I’ve seen him around the building and had conversation with him. He’s in a good place, he’s comfortable with this environment. He’s trained well."

On the importance of the FA Cup ...

"It’s an important competition and Manchester United are about winning trophies. We’ve had good success in recent years, it’s an amazing competition, the first trophy I won as a player, a special tournament. Not in Europe, out of the League Cup, it’s a trophy we should be trying to win and giving ourselves every opportunity to win."

Here's Darren Fletcher ...

"I don’t think so, too close to the the tournament [for Mbeumo and Mazraoui]. Same players available."

It actually looks as if there's a 15 minute embargo on Fletcher's comments, so they'll be coming in an half an hour or so.

If you're a Man United fan, you're going to want to stick around with Darren Fletcher speaking in 15 minutes.

More from the Cottagers coach on their team news ...

"Rodrigo, Tete, Josh King they're going to be out, plus the Africa Cup situation that you know about. All the others are going to be in contention."

Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking before their game with Middlesbrough tomorrow ...

"I love the competition, simple as that. The oldest competition in the world. A very, very important one. A competition that can give you a chance to dream for something and fight for something.

"The best way to think, to prove and to show that we're capable of doing something special is tomorrow doing our job well."

More from Emery on the club's transfer plans ...

"The club is working with the people responsible around possibilities. In case we can improve our squad we can do it, or in case someone is leaving as well.

"I am happy how we are doing the process this year."

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been asked about Emi Martinez's fitness ahead of their game with Tottenham ...

"He’s really being in the commitment we need of him. He played on Wednesday knowing he has a small injury. He had the effort to play.

"He is doing a really good effort to be in the team. I am happy with him and I am seeing him like I want. After last summer, it was difficult for everybody and it was difficult for him as well.

"Now I can face him and I can see his eyes and believe in him."

Although it is FA Cup weekend, Nuno Espirito Santo has addressed his side's Premier League struggles and their bid to avoid the drop.

"It's tough. We're aware of the situation but there's 17 games to go and a lot of football to be played. We can only focus on ourselves and our day-to-day now.

"We can't obsess about the gap and get anxious about the table. Let's try to focus on what we can do to compete. I believe it is possible."

More from the Austrian tactician ...

“We want to win another trophy. This is our approach. It's not defending something, it's winning something.

This trophy will stay forever in Crystal Palace history books. But it's adding another trophy – that's how we enter the FA Cup.”

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking ahead of his side's defence of the FA Cup ...

'JP [Mateta] will not travel with us. We'll give him a rest, not playing on astro. We've talked about some issues with his knee. Everything's under control, but we don't want to risk that he plays on astro and it gets worse, that's why he stays in London.'

'No one is coming back. Chris (Richards) is back, but he was in the squad against Aston Villa [on Wednesday].'

Some major breaking news coming out of Arsenal ...

The Burnley coach on squad management after a busy Christmas period ...

"We will freshen it up, we need to. The volume of games we have had in this short period, the players need that rest. We want to give other players the opportunity to impress.”

Parker on his love of the FA Cup ...

“I grew up on the FA Cup, it has changed a little bit now. It’s a big competition, an important competition and one we want to do well in.”

Burnley boss Scott Parker has been speaking to the media ahead of their game with Millwall this weekend. Here's his thoughts on the draw with Manchester United in midweek ...

“It was a positive result, we showed a reaction and that was what we needed. I am really pleased with the character and resilience showed.”

Rosenior on being just the second black man to manage Chelsea ...

"I've worked very hard for a long time. I'm mixed heritage. It doesn't matter where you come from, your gender. If I can be successful, maybe I can break down a few things. If I think too much about that, I'm only focused on the enormous job in front of me."

More from Rosenior on coming up against Nathan Jones this weekend ...

"Nathan is top. He has had an outstanding career as a manager. It is going to be a very difficult game, they have such intensity. It is going to be a difficult English cup tie in January and my players need to be able to stand up to that.

"You have to win duels, headers, you have to run and that is the message that I have given to the players."

Rosenior on the club's churn of coaches ...

"I think the [general] turnover of managers now is huge. The pressure is there from day one and if I wasn't willing to take on that pressure and privilege I wouldnt' be here.

"I am looking forward to it. I can't wait for tomorrow night. The players and staff have been nothing but supportive and made me feel at home.

"If you are scared or fearful there is no point being a coach. I am going to work 24 hours a day. I am going to push them to try and be successful."

More from Rosenior ...

"I'm not an alien. I’ve seen what’s been written in the press. There’s no way you can be successful as a manager if you don’t make decisions for yourself."

And his task to create the best culture possible ...

"The biggest challenge in any team is to make sure you create the right culture, spirit and balance When I watched training over the last few games, I have seen the ability is world class but having the right spirit and having them fight for the shirt is my job".

The Blues boss speaks on the club's structure ...

"I think that's the same at every football club. The time I had at Strasbourg was the best 18 months of my professional career. The guys here have been nothing but positive to me. They have allowed me to make mistakes and allowed me to learn. I intend to enjoy every moment and hopefully bring everyone at the club success."

New Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior is seated ahead of their game with Charlton tomorrow.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraloa has been speaking after Semenyo's exit ...

“Scoring the goal, scoring the winner, the ovation – that is something that will stay there in his mind forever, I’m really pleased for him and I wish him all the best.”

On whether Semenyo can succeed at Manchester City:

“He will have strong competition for minutes but I think he has the level, he’s producing the numbers and is a player who can adapt very well to all the scenarios … I think he understands this is another step.”

On whether Bournemouth will sign a winger in January:

“Yes, we have to sign a winger – Antoine has played almost every minute with us, there is a hole we have to fill. Obviously, probably is not [someone] with the same skills as Antoine, can be a different type or player … it’s a market that is not easy … We have to look at all the options we have available.”

Here's the last of the Pep quotes with the Man City boss talking about the title race ...

"It's better, of course, that the team at the top of the league is dropping points. But if we make that analysis after three draws, and whether it's better to win those games, it's better to think about ourselves, right? So it would be a huge mistake if you think that the situation is better because a fantastic team like Liverpool can equalise [draw] a game at the Emirates. So it's better to think about ourselves.

"One of our incredible attributes from previous years has always been that we have found a way to win games. Don't ask me how, but always we find a way to win games...even by playing worse than in the last three games that we draw, we were able to do it."

And he added: "So we have to do better. It's better to be six points than eight points but the reality is the reality. In terms of points - 21 we have played and we are six points behind, so everything is open."

The first of what is likely to be a number of postponements this weekend ...

The Wolves boss on his side's new wonderkid, Mané ...

"He's walking around with a smile on his face and confidence, in a good way, he's a humble lad. I really like his energy and his performances have really been really brave."

It looks like Wolves won't be rotating too much this weekend ...

"We want to keep the momentum, that's what football is about. It's important for us."

Edwards on Wolves' team news ...

"Rodrigo will be part of the match day squad, which is great. Everyone else should be fine from the other day."

Wolves boss Rob Edwards has been speaking ahead of their game against Shrewsbury. On the weather in the Midlands ...

"We shifted training to a different time let the lads get here safely. I have to thank the ground staff, a huge thank you, for their work clearing the pitch."

If you're Chelsea fan you won't want to go anywhere - Liam Rosenior will be speaking to the press in 40 minutes.

Pep has commented on players who move mid-season ...

"To understand that he doesn't come here for one, two or three games, he comes for many years so he has all the time in the world. I know he is exceptional guy that we have. The team will embrace him because this specific group of players and club to make the people when they arrive so comfortable. He will adapt quick."

Pep has some big praise for Exeter ...

"When I arrived here 10 years ago, when we played teams from the lower divisions like League One or Championship, always it's typical football. And now you see teams and how they've evolved. They play really good!

"I saw the game against Huddersfield and Cardiff, the last two games they played and recently, and this didn't happen 10 years ago. Huge respect, and always I believe that the best way to respect this type of competition, it's how you play, defend, press, many, many details to do well. That is the best way to respect Exeter, or all the teams you play..."

Pep also confirms that Oscar Bobb is still injured.

More from the Man City boss on his wing options ...

"For the situation we have up front in the wingers - we have three specific players like Oscar [Bobb], Savio, and Jeremy [Doku] - we needed to reinforce for the next years, and that's why the club made the gesture, the effort to take Semenyo. A perfect age at 26-years-old, the best years to come..."

Guardiola is also pressed on whether Manchester City will do more transfer business this month, but he shuts the question down by saying "I can't answer that".

Pep has confirmed that Semenyo will be in the squad for the Exeter game but has refused to reveal whether the winger will play any part.

Guardiola on Semenyo ...

"He can play both sides, uses both feet unbelievable, can play striker with his pace, he knows the PL, many clubs wanted him and he decided to join us. Really pleased for the next years." "A long time we've been following him, a few years."

One of the ties of the round this weekend comes from the Etihad where Premier League giants, Manchester City, take on Exeter. You can read about the Grecians and how they might fare against Pep's men here.

If you're a Man City fan, stay tuned - Pep Guardiola will be speaking in 10 minutes.

After their goalless draw last night, it seems clear to everyone that Arsenal have a Gyokeres problem. You can read all about this right here.

Le Bris has admitted that Romaine Mundle could leave the club this month ...

"The conversation is open for every player who likes minutes - it's always the case. The most important thing is the club project, this is the first idea. After that - depending on the situation - if we don't think he will play a lot in the second half of the season, it means you can find a solution and you have to find another club with a good project.

"I still say it is important to stay open to avoid a misunderstanding - and if it's clear for everyone, after that you can move forward."

The Sunderland boss on his side's chance of a Cup run ...

"It will be a tough challenge once again. It is important to respect the competition and knowing the fatigue we have in the squad, because the first-team players are busy. In the Premier League you have to play, recover, reset and go again.

"It's important to avoid unnecessary risks - so it's a balance. We will have different conversations with the players to find the best solution."

More from Le Bris on squad rotation ...

"We want to go strong because we respect this competition. We have to manage the load of a few players. At the moment we don't have the full picture because the schedule is so busy. Every hour is useful to try and understand the situation. We will select the best team possible."

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has been speaking about Wilson Isidor's fitness ...

"He's getting better. He trained this morning with the squad and we will see if he is available or not. At the moment we don't want to take any unnecessary risks. Everyone else is fine."

Some big news for Palace who are one step closer to building a new main stand at Selhurst Park ...

It's going to be an emotional occasion at Stadium MK tonight with MK Dons and Oxford paying tribute to George Baldock, who played for both clubs during his career and sadly died back in 2024.

If you're in the market for an excellent long read on the recent cult of the sporting director, then you've come to the right place.

As it's third round weekend you may be asking 'but when exactly is the fourth round draw?' Well, fear not. Our friends at the Independent have the answers.

It's the biggest 'yes' possible from us here at OneFootball Towers ...

The last few quotes from Moyes here, who has really been on one today ...

"I can only say what I think. I can't talk too much, or they will be fining me for saying something out of order.

"But, if they want us to come on your programmes and talk, then surely we should be allowed to speak the truth and say how we feel. That's how I feel.

"It sounds like inconsistencies, but I have not got a big problem with it. I want them to do their job the best they can.

"But, if that's the best they can do at the moment, then I think they're in a difficult position."

And here's the Everton boss on Grealish's red card for sarcastically applauding the referee in midweek ...

"I thought Jack Grealish was wrong, but since then I have been shown other players who have clapped the referee, and it has not returned in another booking or a sending off.

"We have seen handballs that we have not been given as well.

"Now you mention it, I do think there have been a few [decisions against Everton]."

More from Moyes and his thoughts on that Keane red card ...

"It shouldn't be any games [banned].

"I am more embarrassed for whoever is on VAR. This is a young referee doing only his third or fourth game and VAR gave him a terrible decision.

"Looking for the smallest things they are."

First up for Moyes is the news this morning that Michael Keane has had his appeal against a three-match ban rejected ...

"Hugely disappointed. Hugely surprised. Probably more angry with the panel who thought that was the case.

"Because as a panel, it is the panel who sits and looks at it. I know who the three of them are on the panel. I am absolutely amazed that they didn't in any way overturn it. To say it was violent conduct. We saw it last night. It is OK to throw a ball at somebody, OK to push them, lift them up with a bad injury.

"A little pull of someone's hair accidentally means that there will be a three-game ban is quite extraordinary to me."

Everton boss David Moyes has been speaking ahead of their game with Sunderland this weekend ...

More from the German tactician ...

"I think there will be opportunities for others, but we take this competition very serious. We only give players a chance who really deserve it, that's what we always try to do as we manage through the whole season.

"There will definitely be changes regarding the starting 11."

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking ahead of his side's game with Manchester United on Sunday ...

"Minteh will be assessed. We need to see how far he is today at the training session. It's a dead leg, so there is a possibility but we have to see how he is. Dead leg sometimes needs time, sometimes goes quicker.

"Kostoulas should be available, he should be an option to start the game."

Some good news for the Arsenal man though ...

Starting with Martinelli's apology to Bradley after pushing him off the pitch whilst injured late in the game ...

Whilst we wait for some press conferences to come in this morning, let's take a look at some of the reaction from Arsenal's draw with Liverpool ...

We'll be hearing from new Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior at 14.30 CET. The Blues face Charlton tomorrow evening in his first game after replacing Enzo Maresca.

More from Newcastle manager Eddie Howe on potential transfers for defenders following the most recent injury to Fabian Schar ...

"At the moment we're confident that Fabian will be back before the end of the season, that's the guidelines we've been given. Let's see. Then let's see with Dan [Burn] and then let's look at the options we have internally before looking externally."

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was speaking earlier about the injury suffered by Fabian Schär ...

"Hopefully, not too bad, or maybe not as bad as it initially looked. He’s got an injury there, but no break - it is ligament damage. He is seeing a specialist in the coming days to get a definitive answer, but maybe more positive than the initial assessment. Losing Fabian is a huge blow."

An excellent list to be a part of for Semenyo ...

In case you missed some early transfer news this morning, Antoine Semenyo has completed his switch from Bournemouth to Manchester City ...

Here are today's FA Cup fixtures, with the clear stand-out coming from the Racecourse ...

Good morning everyone and welcome to a slightly different Friday live blog today. Instead of the usual Premier League press conferences, we're going to be covering everything to do with FA Cup third round weekend which starts this evening with four matches.