Aston Villa Boss Paul Lambert Says Clubs Could Do Without FA Cup

[Baines' left foot]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25579811

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert believes the majority of top-flight clubs would rather not have the distraction of the FA Cup.

Speaking before Saturday's third-round game with Sheffield United, Lambert was asked whether the FA Cup was something Premier League clubs could do without.

"I think if you asked the majority of them, if they were being honest, they probably would do," he told BBC WM.

"Not just because of the money but survival in the league is vital."

The Scot added: "It is realistic. That is the nature of it. If anyone says any differently then I am not so sure they will be telling the truth because the Premier League is the most vital thing that anyone wants to get into and we are no different."

Lambert's side are six points above the Premier League relegation zone and it is survival - rather than the visit of the League One Blades - that is his priority.

"Cup competitions, if you can get through, then absolutely I want to get through. I don't want to not get through but your main one is the league," he said.

"We don't have a massive squad and points are really important. If you are honest enough people will say the same."

Aston Villa have won the FA Cup on seven occasions but have not lifted the trophy since 1957 and last reached the final in 2000.

Last season, Wigan became the first team to win the FA Cup but also be relegated from the top tier in the same season.

Thoughts?

Whilst I can understand that the added fixtures obviously put small squads under more strain, has the FA Cup really declined in prestige so much that most Premier League managers would rather do without it?

I disagree, personally. I think there might be a few teams nearer to the bottom of the table who might share his thoughts on it I think the FA Cup has some value.

To me this seems a little like Lambert is trying to deflect blame elsewhere. He's under pressure from Villa fans at the moment.

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

I have a feeling Villa fans would love to win the FA Cup

 

[Azzurri]

What a knobhead.

 

[lmurkder]

He's just a poor manager.


Moyes will be saying he could do without Champions League next, to focus on qualifying for next years Champions League.


Knife to a gun fight thinking.

 

[pfim]

I think if you had a small, middling squad, yes, you could do without it. That's probably true for about half of the Premier League.

 

[ijjysmith]

It's good that he thinks that because Villa will probably have to do without it!

 

[tsubaki]

One imagines non-premier league clubs would say much the same thing about the premier league.

 

[Goat]

Didnt do Wigan any harm did it?

 

[Garrick]

If anything, I would say dump the League Cup. The FA Cup still has plenty of prestige.

In fact, I'd be completely down for ending the League Cup, giving a Champions League spot to the FA Cup winner, and have European qualification be 1-3 CL and 4-6 Europa.

I think there's still great value to any country's FA in having a big cup competition where any club can (theoretically) go against any other club. Gives the smaller clubs a reason to play on and something to shoot for.

 

[chrissyjack]

Getting his excuse in for when they get knocked out ..."We can concentrate on the league "

 

[Gwladys St. Glory]

Get rid of the Charity Shield and the League Cup before the FA Cup...

 

[Bungle]

Fu*k off Lambert you prick!

 

[Goat]

Fu*k off Lambert you prick!

Erm????

 

[Bungle]

Erm????

Sorry mate, please don't infract me LOL

 

[Goat]

Sorry mate, please don't infract me LOL

Thats it, im applying.