Fulham have the lead in the FA Youth Cup Final but also the burdens of pressure and expectation, according to Chelsea youth-team manager Adi Viveash.
The two west London rivals will meet at Stamford Bridge on Monday night following last week’s thrilling first leg at Craven Cottage, which Fulham won 3-2 thanks to strikes from Moussa Dembele, Emerson Hyndman and Cameron Burgess.
Viveash, who presided over defeat in last year’s Final after triumphing in 2012, insists there is belief within the Chelsea camp that they can turn the tie around and feels the pressure on Fulham could assist his players.
Chelsea v Fulham
FA Youth Cup Final Second Leg
Stamford Bridge
Kick-off 7.45pm
Live on ITV4
Fulham lead 3-2
He told Chelsea’s official site: “Fulham have it to lose and we have definitely got it to win and it will be interesting to see how the Fulham players handle the occasion because they are expected to win having the lead in the tie.
“We certainly know we can win this cup, there is no doubt about that, and we will be ready and we can be relaxed. Hopefully we can play the type of football we try to breed here but we want to win.
"This is our last game of the season as well, and it is no time for feeling tired. It is about mentally being strong and one big push to achieve our goal hopefully.”
Meanwhile Huw Jennings, Fulham’s academy director, says his side were not at their best despite securing the all-important win last week and feels his players will have to up their game to secure the trophy.
“We have our noses in front, but there’s a lot to play for,” he told fulhamfc.com. “We were pleased with the victory and, while you always want to play well and get the win – it’s ultimately the score at the final whistle that counts.
“Fulham have it to lose and we have definitely got it to win”
Adi Viveash Chelsea manager
“We didn’t play as well as we can, but a lot of credit should be given to Chelsea - they’re a difficult team to face and they have some very good individuals. We know that we’ll have to play better in the second leg, but in the first game, once again, our spirit got us through.
“There’s no doubt that we will play better, the boys need to move the ball more decisively and ensure our game plan is more effectively put into practice.
“This season, there have been times where we haven’t played to our best, but we’ve found a way to win and that’s usually the sign of a good team – we have resilience in abundance. We know how we like to play and what we’re capable of, but when the game evolves you have to adjust accordingly.”
