Ipswich Pre Match Press Conference with Michael Appleton | Vital Football

Ipswich Pre Match Press Conference with Michael Appleton

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In his press conference Michael Appleton was clearly relishing the prospect of facing Ipswich Town ahead of the FA Cup clash on Saturday:


Wimbledon - MA got over the late Wimbledon equaliser set back quickly compared to e.g. the Portsmouth match. He explained that he was more frustrated at letting Wimbledon off with only a one goal lead at half time; showing the importance of the second goal when on top. That's just football. However if Imps keep performing like they have been doing there will be a spell where 'we' are the ones scoring in 92/93 minute. It's that word momentum. At the moment City are trying to stop a certain momentum but it will happen. The team spirit is good and whilst the players are being tested at the minute some of the positive performances are disproportionate to the results.

Jorge Grant Substitution - Jorge has had a positive reaction to being substituted. He covered more ground than any player during Tuesday training and his running levels were as high as at any time he has been at the club. Ultimately MA has to make decisions and if someone is not performing they come off the field, simple as that. MA is always straight about that and it's only a poor decision if the player was actually having a good game. If MA gets that wrong he has to take it on the chin, therefore so must the players. The good thing is that JG has responded really, really well. There is no doubt he is a fantastic talent with good ability though there are parts of the game that a player has to be satisfactory at; got to be done for the sake of the team. It's not just about when the ball arrives or comes to a player. JG is still reasonably young and can get better with MA reassured that he thinks JG wants to get better.

Ipswich Town - They are very consistent. Although retaining lots of players with the disappointment of last season's relegation they have others with good experience of L1. In Norwood and Jackson they have probably the 2 best strikers in this league. They are a handful which has probably given Ipswich the edge so far this season. Ipswich may make changes having a midweek league game this week but they have the squad to cope so MA would be surprised if Imps don't face their strongest team. It's important to understand the quality Imps are facing and give Ipswich due respect. The team MA picks will be reflective of those points. It is a great opportunity to switch off from the league for a week. Ipswich are expected to get promoted, they are the highest ranked side at this stage of the competition. MA prefaced with 'they are a big club with a big ground, a good fan base and a good team' before smiling then adding, 'Sounds like a great time for an upset'.

MA on the FA Cup - MA grew up with the FA Cup and it was the same for him as a player and manager. It may not be the same for some Premier League players but for him personally it is the best Cup in the world, it means a lot to him and MA will treat it like that. The excitement is building with MA really looking forward to the clash. MA has enjoyed good cup runs as a player and manager and likes to think if he can hang around long enough that the heights of 2017 can be repeated. As fans, players, people working in the sport the FA Cup evokes good memories of games and the competition. It's a reason why people become involved with football, it's the magic of the cup.
 
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Well, we all know what a good FA Cup run can do. No reason that I can see not to put out whatever he considers his strongest team. Regardless of what Ipswich do.