Source: SKY_Sports
Hodgson - Managers not magicians
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson insists any FA Cup shock against Manchester United on Saturday will be down to footballing ability and not managerial 'magical powers'.
Premier League, European and world champions United arrive at Craven Cottage in the quarter-finals of the cup as favourites to progress to the last four as they chase an unprecedented quintuple.
However, there is a suggestion that Fulham - who suffered only their second home league defeat of the season as Hull City grabbed a late win on Wednesday - can upset Sir Alex Ferguson's men.
Hodgson is confident his side can record a surprise victory, but the Cottagers chief is adamant that success will be based upon skill, and not a fairy-tale team talk.
"We believe we can get a result if we play very well, and there is always a chance they will play below their very best," he told Sky Sports News
"It is not a question of belief. It is a question of being good enough, being organised, working hard and making sure that you do the job properly.
"It is purely a football matter. There is a suggestion of a motivational thing, where someone stands up and gives a, 'once more into the breach dear friends' speech.
"I know that is a wonderful myth that exists in football, that managers have magical powers.
"But I am sorry to say that, in my 33 years of doing it, I have never seen one."
