Despite dominating throughout our FA Youth Cup Fourth Round tie with Everton, Vicens’ side were agonisingly eliminated as the Toffees won with a 98th minutes winner.
CITY+ | WATCH FULL-MATCH REPLAYS OF EVERY CITY GAME
In spite of the cup heartbreak, the City youngsters now turn attentions to their league campaigns, with both our EDS and Under-18s chasing the title in their respected leagues at the business end of the season.
As a result, Under-18s manager Vicens believes both the EDS and Under-18 players must put their Youth Cup disappointment behind them and turn their focus to the crucial run-ins.
“Obviously today we had a mix of EDS and Under-18 players in this squad so they just need to be ready for the next challenge they face,” the head coach reflected.
“There is still a lot to play for in this season and a lot to fight for and we can not just go down now.
“Obviously you do not always win in sport so it is all about how you come back from the downs and this is what defines you in sport, and in life.”
Despite the result, the Under-18s manager believed there were positives to take from his side’s hard-fought efforts.
“In general collectively I think we worked hard, we tried to stick to the process, we created chances and we took our risks,” the Spaniard added.
“We are a club and a team that plays to attack and create chances, and I think how we reacted as a defence to their counter-attack was brilliant.”
Gracious in defeat, Vicens also praised the efforts of the Toffees performance after they set up a fifth round tie with Chelsea.
“I congratulate them [Everton] as they managed to keep the score 0-0 until the very last minute and they had the combination of desire and hunger for that last play.
“The ball bounced where it had to for them but of course this is football. It is disappointing for us but it is what it is.”
The two sides restart their league campaigns later this month, with our EDS facing Liverpool and the Under-18s taking on Sunderland.
Ahead of the matches, Vicens had some wise words for his Youth Cup squad.
“I said in the changing room to them after the game, it is all about how we perform against Liverpool for the EDS and Sunderland for the 18s when they come.
“The next game when it does come we will be up for it and hopefully we can put in a good performance.”
