Paul Cook probably doesn't strike many fans as the sort of manager who would 'park the bus' very often - if ever. Even so, it's nice to hear him confirm an all-out defensive approach will not be Pompey's way of doing things when they go to Ipswich in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Although Town are going well in the Championship, Cook sees no value in putting 11 men behind the ball. It seems he'd rather take them on, and accept the consequences if Pompey go out.
Cook told the Pompey website: 'Mick McCarthy put together a side that reached the play-offs last season and they’re in the top six again at the moment. You underestimate Ipswich at your peril and it’s certainly not something that we’re going to do. We would never dream of that.
'But we’re not going there to get men behind the ball and park the bus — we’ll look to enjoy ourselves. We’ll go there and do our best because it’s a fantastic cup competition that we take seriously.
'We can’t get away from the fact that the League Two campaign is our priority this season, but it would be great if we could get through. If we do that then it will be exciting for our fans, if we get a draw then we’ll look forward to a replay at Fratton Park and if we go out then we’ll wish Ipswich well and move on.'
Pompey have indicated they will rest Michael Doyle.
| Advertisement |
|
|
Click here to sign up for an account and reserve your username! You can then post on the Forum and add your comments to articles