Advertisement

Chelsea boss Jody Morris warns 'heartbroken' Manchester City want revenge in FA Youth Cup Final

Level best: Ukbo scores in first leg: Getty Images
Level best: Ukbo scores in first leg: Getty Images

Chelsea Under-18s coach Jody Morris has told his players that Manchester City will be out for revenge in the FA Youth Cup Final at Stamford Bridge tonight.

The Blues, who are looking to win the competition for the fourth successive year, have beaten Manchester City in the final the previous two seasons.

Morris’s side are favourites to succeeed, having drawn the first leg 1-1 in Manchester last week courtesy of a goal from Ike Ukbo —although there is no away goals rule.

Morris said: “If you’re a player or member of staff who was in the Manchester City dressing room in the last couple of years, then you will remember how it felt.

“Heartbreak is often the biggest motivation, so we need to make sure we’re ready to dig deep and put our bodies on the line.

“It will come down to the character of the two groups.”

Morris, who played for Chelsea’s first team between 1996-2003 after graduating from their Academy, has already led his side to the Under-18 southern league championship.

Opener: Ugbo put Chelsea in front in Manchester
Opener: Ugbo put Chelsea in front in Manchester

However, he is not taking victory in the Youth Cup for granted and added: “We know first and foremost we will have to defend better.

“We have to make sure we’re not taking as many risks in possession and leaving gaps at the back as we did in the first leg.”