Derby manager Steve McClaren calls for FA Cup replays to be scrapped
Steve McClaren has claimed the Football Association should consider scrapping replays to help save the competition.
After McClaren’s Derby County were knocked out of the FA Cup in extra time, the former England manager insisted the club’s priority would always be promotion from the Championship.
Though Derby held Leicester to a 2-2 draw in the first game at Pride Park, this fifth-round replay was a distraction for both. The managers made 18 changes between them as they focused on their respective league campaigns.
“We didn’t need this replay. I don’t think Leicester needed this replay, and I think maybe the FA have to look at this competition and say, ‘Let’s just have one tie’, because nobody wanted this,” said McClaren.
“We had a game at Pride Park two weeks ago – what an occasion. It was a great game, imagine that going to extra time or penalties, it would have been a classic FA Cup tie. Instead, 10 days later and it’s two completely different teams.
“Leicester have got priorities and we’ve got priorities, and there was no way we could not make eight changes with the schedule that we’ve got coming up. I think that’s disappointing and something that should be looked at.”
Leicester secured only their second win of the year after brilliant goals in extra time from Wilfred Ndidi and Demarai Gray. A trip to Millwall on Saturday week awaits, and manager Claudio Ranieri hopes the victory can prove a turning point in their season ahead of Sunday’s crucial game at Swansea.
“For us, Sunday is one of the main matches of the season. I would swap this result for three points at Swansea,” he said. “I think and I hope this match can improve our Premier League season.
“We want to do well in all the competitions. We’re now focused on Sunday and three goals tonight is good for confidence. That’s what we needed, wanted.”
Ranieri had received a vote of confidence from Leicester’s board on the eve of the match and chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha flew from Thailand to offer his support.
Srivaddhanaprabha also met Ranieri’s squad before the game.
“I speak often with the owner. For me it was normal to see him, but it was good also that he met with the players before the match,” Ranieri said. “That is important. When he comes, every time he brings a positive strength to everybody.”
