Talking Heads: Semi-Final Previews From Rodgers, Hasenhüttl, Iheanacho & Forster
- Leicester City tackle Southampton in the semi-finals of the Emirates FA Cup on Sunday
- The 6:30pm kick-off takes place at Wembley Stadium and is live and free on LCFC Radio
- Brendan Rodgers and Kelechi Iheanacho have previewed the clash from a Foxes perspective
- Ralph Hasenhüttl and Fraser Forster have also spoken to the media this week
Ahead of that clash in the capital, figures from both squads have been speaking in the media to look ahead to what promises to be an intriguing and potentially tense affair.
Here's what they've said...
Brendan Rodgers on what his message would be for the Foxes faithful ahead of the game: "Hopefully, they enjoy the game and, hopefully, they enjoy a really good performance. It's a chance for us to make the final. What I do know is that we'll be giving our best. We're super motivated to arrive there (in the final) and I trust in the team that we can get the result. I’m fully aware (of the fans' desire to win the FA Cup). I’m relaxed about it, but I’m very motivated by giving the fans what they want."
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl previews the last-four tie: "The tradition of this competition is something well known in England but also in Europe. It's definitely the most traditional and well-known cup competition around the world. I remember one of the first football games I saw was an FA Cup Final. I used to watch these games. We haven't conceded one goal in the cup this season. These are fundamental things. Leicester, after winning the Premier League, it gave them a massive boost. I don't see a lot of weaknesses in their team. Every position is filled with high quality players."
In-form Foxes forward Kelechi Iheanacho speaks to LCFC TV: "There's quite a lot of excitement, but we need to take that to the game as well. We're really working hard in training now to make sure we get what we need. That's the most important thing now, to focus on the game. Obviously, we know what it's about. We know how the Club really wants this. We know what it means. The most important part is to put in the hard work on the field of play, that's what we need to do."
Saints goalkeeper Fraser Forster, in an interview with southamptonfc.com: "I made the decision in the summer that I wanted to come back here and fight for my place. I’ve had to bide my time and the FA Cup has been crucial to that, but I got my head down and worked hard. When you reach the point of the FA Cup Semi-Final you obviously want to try and make the next step. It will be a very tough game but one we believe we can win. The four clean sheets are a bonus, but for me it was just good to get some game time and get on the pitch in front of the manager so I could show him what I can do."
All times BST.