4 min read
19th Dec 2022
James McPike has called on his players to grasp the opportunity, as he prepares the under-18s for Wednesday’s FA Youth Cup tie under the Aggborough lights.
Leicester City are the opponents in the third round, with Wolves hoping to replicate last season’s semi-final appearance and potentially even go that step further. There have been challenges aplenty in recent weeks following the movement of players across age groups and the 18s have felt the brunt of that, with a much younger squad taking to the field in the last two games. However, the FA Youth Cup now takes centre stage and McPike has been able to select what he hopes will be a group of players to perform on the big stage and progress the academy into the next round of the prestigious competition.
On the recent tests faced
“It’s been a challenging time for them. We’ve had some difficult games in this period, some really physical and competitive games where the level of the football has been high.
“They’ve given 100% effort and tried their very best. Sometimes the challenge has been too much for them and they’ve been stretched too thin but, even in those difficult moments and the adversity they’ve faced, they’ve still got something out of it from a learning and development point of view.
“They’re not always going to have the ball and will face large periods in games where they’re doing a lot of defending and a lot of running – they’ve been exposed to that in the last few weeks.”
On the FA Youth Cup as a competition
“From a players’ point of view in particular, it’s something you’ll always remember. I’ve played in it myself and regardless of what you do in football, you’ll always remember your FA Youth Cup and the nights you have in it.
“As far as their careers go at the moment, it’s a great experience and one they’ll never forget.”
On what’s required to go deep into the competition
“It’s ultimately about the players – their willingness and their ability to perform on the big occasions, under the lights and with that bit of extra added pressure.
“Lots of clarity and organisation is needed. They’re things that, working with Steve (Davis) last year, I’ve been around to learn about. He’s been a great mentor for me to prepare me for this role and position. I’ve got a lot to thank him for in regards to that and how we’ve gone about preparing for the game.
“It’s a great opportunity for everybody really. With the changes that have happened over recent weeks, it’s been a real period of opportunity and challenge.
“I’m really enjoying it and will continue with the staff to try and prepare the players as best as possible.”
On focusing on their own performance
“We’ve watched a fair bit of how they (Leicester) play, but not too much – we have to worry about us and what we do.
“We’ve prepared as well as we can, we’ve done our analysis and we’re working on some things in training to try and give them the best chance.
“We’ve got some players in the team who’ve had some good experiences with the first-team and the 21s. When they’re on form, they can be a handful.”
On taking inspiration from last season’s run and what to expect from his team
“I think they can definitely be inspired by it to see what’s possible and what they can achieve. Their challenge now is that it’s their turn – what are they going to take from this experience and moment and what mark are they going to leave on the FA Youth Cup?
“I want to see us working really hard first and foremost. Being aggressive, running, being physically fit and willing to run forward and back.
“Ultimately, when you do get the fans there to watch the FA Youth Cup games, it gives them that extra energy and fuel to continue in the difficult moments.”
