Walsall manager Dean Smith has spoken to the local press ahead of this weekend's Sky Bet League 1 clash with Blackpool, and has taken a quick look at the Saddlers' mid-week Capital One Cup exploits, insisting he's excited to take on Chelsea but determined it will not be a distraction.
Speaking to the Express & Star, Smith said; “Chelsea is a fantastic draw for us, it’s the champions of England coming to the Banks’s Stadium. They will bring a team packed with internationals, so it’s going to be a wonderful test for the players.
“It’s also going to be great for me, personally, going up against Jose Mourinho. But there is a lot of work to do before then. We have had a good start to the new season and we need to keep our feet firmly on the ground. The league is the priority, there are plenty of games before Chelsea.
“I will make sure it doesn’t become a distraction. But the players are so determined and have learnt an awful lot over the past couple of seasons. We had the distraction of Wembley last season, so we know what it is like to have a big occasion around the corner. Chelsea is going to be incredibly exciting.
“There is going to be a huge clamour for tickets and I’m sure the Banks’s Stadium will be packed. But we have to focus on Blackpool and take things game-by-game. It’s long-term success we want.”
SOURCE: EXPRESS & STAR