Nelson Jardim is relishing his first game as head coach in the Emirates FA Cup as Newport County get set to take on Peterborough United.
The Exiles will kick off their campaign against the League One side at Rodney Parade on Saturday afternoon, marking the return of the world’s oldest domestic cup competition for another season.
Jardim has experienced the FA Cup with several clubs throughout his coaching career, including Birmingham City, Swansea City, and Leicester City.
However, he is particularly excited for his first FA Cup match as County boss tomorrow afternoon.
“Tomorrow is such a massive game for the club, the city and the people,” said Jardim. “It’s also a big game for myself with it being my very first game as head coach in the FA Cup.
“The competition means a lot to me. In Portugal I grew up watching the FA Cup on the TV because we had a lot of Portuguese players playing in the Premier league at that time - Paulo Futre one of the biggest names.
"A cup competition is a cup competition, but you can’t compare this one to any other. English football is re-known for this famous knock-out competition and everyone dreams to play in the big games.
“It will be a privilege to lead the team out tomorrow. It’s a big day for me because, like i said, I know how important this competition has been for the club in the past. I know it means a lot to the people, the city and the supporters.
“We will give our best like we always we do and hopefully we can pull off an upset. We know the fans will be behind us as well because they have been the 12th man for us all season at home.
“It’s a game I’m looking forward to for myself, and an occasion we’re all looking forward to as a group.”
The Exiles are set to face a Peterborough side in strong form in League One, having won two and drawn one of their last five league matches.
Currently sitting in 13th place in the standings with 18 points, Posh are just five points shy of the play-off positions as they look to bid back into the second tier.
“They are doing very well and have a young and energetic squad,” Jardim said of Darren Ferguson's side.
“I like the way they play and they have some top players. It’s going to be a difficult challenge but it’s a big opportunity for our players to show what they’re capable of.
“The front four players for them are very good too, so we know that is an area we will have to be wary of.”
