Planet Swans ArchivesThe name of Roberto Martinez will be forever engraved on FA Cup history. Along with those of Kevin Moran (First FA Cup final sending off) and Dave Beasant (first man to save a FA Cup final penalty) Roberto’s name can never be wiped from the history books.
It was way back in 1995 that Roberto achieved his first when he netted against Runcorn in the competition to become the first Spaniard to find the back of the net in what is a world renowned cup.
And he revealed that should the game be played in Spain then the pundits would be expecting nothing less than a double figure tally in the goals for column. However, he warned Swans fans not to expect such a goal feast and that the 107 place differential between the two sides was a mere statistic and no more.
Speaking to the Wales on Sunday, Roberto said “It’s the best cup competition in Europe. They are big words to use but nothing can touch the Cup’s magic. Anything goes and every team has their chance to be heroes and make their own history – you don’t get that anywhere else in the world.
“We’re going to have several players experiencing that for the first time.
“I’m not sure they can look forward to it because they won’t know what to expect.
“If you speak to the Spanish boys about playing against a side 107 places below us in the leagues, they’d tell you on the continent you would be expected to win 11-0.
“Anyone who has tasted the magic of the FA Cup knows it really is 50-50 on the day and they will all learn a lot from this test.
“We’ve done our homework,” he added.
“But you could know every single detail about lower league opponents only for it to count for nothing because they will be completely different on the day.
“They’re playing in their cup final and each of their players will be at their best. So however much we know about them, examine them or are alert at what to expect, we know the scenario can be completely different come the day and we have to adapt to those conditions.
“We’re in a situation now where almost everyone wants us to lose and Billericay are everybody’s team. We have to be prepared for that.
“The aim for anyone in this division is the third round and hope of a good run in the cup but in this competition you have to earn that right by performing on the day.”
