Break pleases Hughes
12 Apr 2007 - 13:57:01
Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes thinks his side will benefit from their recent break when they face Chelsea in this weekend's FA Cup semi-final at Old Trafford.
Hughes' side has not played since last weekend's home defeat to Aston Villa as they were without a game on Easter Monday because of Tottenham's UEFA Cup exploits.
Chelsea have had a tough Champions League game in Valencia this week and Hughes thinks tiredness could be a factor on Sunday afternoon.
"From a preparation point of view leading into a cup semi-final, it has worked out really well for us," said the Rovers boss.
"We are taking it as a positive but it can work against you.
"We've had periods in this season where we've been playing in Europe and other teams have had a few days in the sun and then coming back apparently refreshed and we've turned them over.
"It is imperative that you get your work done and you build up to the games as and when they happen, but it is not always the case that if you get that break and that rest that you think will benefit you.
"Sometimes it doesn't so we'll have to guard against that.
"We'll give it our best shot, it's a one-off game and we'll try and win it.
"It's the opportunity to obviously get into a major final and get into a European position possibly."