Israeli midfielder Beram Kayal has insisted everyone at Brighton will be taking Coventry City seriously this weekend because it’s an opportunity for the club to take another step forward in the Cup this season and capitalise on the positives that could bring to our Premier League campaign.
Hosting the League Two side at the Amex Stadium this coming Saturday, a place in the quarter finals is up for stake and Kayal knows there can be no complacency as they’ve already dispatched Stoke City in the third round of the competition so far this season.
Speaking to the Official Site as he met with the media for a further preview ahead of the game, he explained that everyone needed to ensure they put in a professional performance on the day.
‘It`s a big game and we have to be well-prepared, it`s a good opportunity for the club to take another step forwards in the tournament, so hopefully we can do that. I`ve played in big cup matches before and you only get one chance at them – either side can win on the day.’
Drawing on his experience from his time at Celtic, he went on to explain.
‘When I was at Celtic we were the biggest team and everyone wanted to beat us – and Coventry City will have that mentality against us this weekend so we have to be ready. The reason we`re still there is because we`ve beaten two good sides and we know we’ll have to perform again on Saturday.’
With manager Chris Hughton taking full advantage of the Cup so far this year to rotate his squad, give some players a rest and others a run out, Kayal said that our Cup run so far had been good for everyone because competition in the squad is high.
‘The fight for places is intense and the bench is very strong – I`ve been here a few years now and the competition at the moment is so good and brings the level up for everyone in the squad. When I get on I try to press high in the latter stages of the game – when Leo came on I tried to make it difficult for the other side. But I think I`m ready to play now – whether that`s in a three or two-man midfield, I`m ready to do whatever the manager asks me to do.’
Having taken the man of the match trophy for his performance in the game against Crystal Palace in the third round, he also played a key role in victory over Middlesbrough at the fourth round stage and he was hoping to keep his spot this weekend.
‘Hopefully I can be involved this weekend – I`m working so hard to try and get an opportunity to play games and I feel in good shape. In the other cup matches I feel like I`ve shown what I can do, I needed a run of games after my injury but now I`m feeling fit and prepared to fight to get into the team. The cup is good for those who may not necessarily get many minutes in the Premier League and we want to go as far as possible in the tournament.’
