Source: Team_Talk
Di Matteo focused on Royals appointment
Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are among the high-profile list of casualties so far in what promises to be an unpredictable year similar to that of 2008.[LNB]West Brom joined Portsmouth, Cardiff and Barnsley in the semi-finals two seasons ago and a place in the final eight is at stake this time around at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.[LNB]But Albion head coach Di Matteo, twice a winner himself with Chelsea and former record holder for the quickest goal ever scored in an FA Cup final, is not getting carried away.[LNB]"It's a great competition, the FA Cup in England," he told the club's official website. "We've tried our best in previous games and that's what we'll do on Saturday - we'll try to get through to the next round.[LNB]"We'll have to focus on the next game because, if we don't get through, then the bigger teams going out doesn't come into consideration.[LNB]"Reading have had a proper cup run, they knocked out Liverpool and Burnley and I think they have picked up in the league as well now as the new manager gets to grips with his team. I'm sure they'll be up for it."[LNB]Di Matteo is not wrong.[LNB]The Royals are a different proposition since West Brom's 3-1 Championship victory at The Hawthorns back in October.[LNB]Brendan Rodgers has been replaced in the hotseat by Brian McDermott, whose achievements as caretaker boss saw him secure the position on a full-time basis.[LNB]McDermott has transformed the Royals' fortunes and the outlook is brighter again in Berkshire following three successive victories, which have moved the club to within a point of safety.[LNB]But his exploits in the cup have not gone unnoticed, either, with Liverpool and Burnley both put to the sword.[LNB]Championship leaders Albion now stand in the way of a place in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1927, and McDermott told Reading's website: "We're really looking forward to it. We should have a good crowd, a special atmosphere and a special day.[LNB]"It's been a long time since we got to the late stages of the FA Cup and we'll try to win the game. West Brom will also try to win and I think it will be really good for the fans because of that.[LNB]"The FA Cup is a great competition and everyone has memories of it. Now we have our own memories - beating Liverpool at Anfield with Shane Long scoring and then beating Burnley. We want more of it.[LNB]"I don't like to talk about giant-killings because we are Reading, we are a big club. We were in the Premier League not long ago and if anyone comes to our place we want them to have to play well.[LNB]"My only concern is if we don't perform, especially in front of our own fans. If we do perform, we're in with a good shout."[LNB][LNB]
