Quinn reveals team mentality, setup and approach to FA Youth Cup clash

Match previews

6 Dec 2024

Ahead of the young Eagles’ clash with Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup tonight (Friday, 6th December, KO: 19:00 GMT), Under-18s Head Coach Rob Quinn assessed the season so far in the build-up to the game.

Crystal Palace Under-18s were drawn against the reigning FA Youth Cup Champions in the third round back in November and will play out the clash this evening.

The young Eagles previously made it to the fifth round last season and will look to go even further this time around. The match is available to watch LIVE on Palace TV+ - click HERE for more information.

Please note that this evening's match is only accessible to viewers in the UK, due to FA broadcasting rules.

Looking back on the recent wins against Arsenal and fierce rivals Brighton, Rob Quinn was in good spirits: “I was really pleased with the performance levels of everyone involved in both games.

“It was clear for us, we needed to try and put out a couple of improved performances and turn them into wins.

“I’m pleased, really pleased, that we did turn those performances into wins - especially in the one against Brighton, but going back to the Arsenal game, it was a good performance in tough conditions, on the day.

U18 Match Highlights: Brighton & Hove Albion 0-2 Crystal Palace

“We scored got a great goal through Jesse [Derry], but everyone, everyone who's involved in the game, every player put in a really good shift.

“I think we've got a deserved win on the day. Obviously, Zack [Henry] got his first goal as well in that game, which is really pleasing for him after being out for it for a long time last season.

“We carried on that mentality and togetherness into the fixture against Brighton. We’ve been speaking a lot about that, improving a lot and getting the basics right and I think we've got another deserved victory that day.”

Back-to-back wins amidst a run of five games unbeaten have set Quinn’s side up well ahead of the clash against Man City, who have been in strong form throughout the season.

U18 Premier League Cup Highlights: Arsenal 0-2 Crystal Palace

“We spoke about trying to build brick by brick. Taking things one game at a time and the group have worked hard while we've changed a few things. It’s more about trying to change our mentality and have that togetherness and belief amongst each other.

“We've been unbeaten for five games, but I believe we could have got a couple more points in the other games as well. So, the mood's been lifted, obviously getting positive results helps that and then it puts us in a good place going into the game against Manchester City.

“I think mentally it gives everyone that little little boost [the good run of form]. The last two weeks, the mood's been lifted. There's been some really good focus in training amongst the group. Certain individuals have really seemed to have turned the corner in the last month.

“I’ve seen how they've applied themselves and this showed in their performances, as well on the pitch. There's no magic formula. You can't turn it on and off and what they do day to day is now showing in the games and we've got a great opportunity and challenge on Friday.”

This is the first time Palace and City have met at U18s level in over a decade, as the two sides are separated geographically in the U18 Premier League. Palace have previously won the FA Youth Cup twice, while City have won it four times.

“It’s a cup game, you get different challenges, different opposition, different styles. We know every player looks forward to the Youth Cup, and us as staff as well.” Quinn explained.

“We look to play against different oppositions and challenge ourselves as well. But for the boys, I think it's a great opportunity and a great challenge to go up there and show what we were about as well.

“Of course, that's our aim, every year: to go as far as we can. Last year we had a good run, we had some really good experiences for the boys.

“When I look back we went to Plymouth, which I think was the toughest game of the season I think for the group and for ourselves. I think it was a really really tough game. Then we had a positive performance against Hull, really good memories of that.

FA Youth Cup Highlights: Plymouth Argyle 1-2 Crystal Palace

“I think injuries just held us back last year. I honestly believe that. I think we would have gone further with even just one or two more players fit, but yeah, this year like I said, We're in a good place now to go and have a good go at it.”

The young Eagles have scored a whopping 26 goals in 13 games this season, averaging two a game, with 13 different goalscorers.

“That helps [having so many different goalscorers this season], goals are hard to come by, so the more people that can contribute helps us.

“Obviously, last year it was Zach [Marsh] who got the majority of the goals along with Jesse, but this year it’s crucial [to have so many contributors], especially for us for the rest of this season and going into this game. We don't really mind who scores for us this weekend, anyone will do!

“It’s about how they can all contribute, even if it's the people, it's the people who regain the ball, the people who do ‘the ugly work,’ so to speak, and we value them as highly as the ones who put it in the net.”

Throughout the Academy the sides tend to play in a way that matches the first-team, whether that’s in terms of formation, or in bedding new players in and providing competition for the 11 places in the squad.

“We're similar [to the first-team], not exactly the same. We've got slightly different tweaks, in terms of in possession/out possession. I think yeah every manager and coach will say the same: you have to try and find the right blend.

“We have to find what works for our group, it's taken us a bit longer this year trying to find what works for every player and play to everyone's strengths.

“We want to get the best out of every player at the moment and it’s helped us. Will we stick with that for the rest of the year? I don't know, but at the moment the lads have been focused and listening and delivering what we've asked of them.

“Like I said before, it's exciting for me as a coach, when you get young players through and now for us we’re getting the younger 15-16 year olds coming up into the squad.

“It gives us a boost and it keeps the players on their toes, which is what we're trying to teach. They're trying to go into a worldwide league, where they're competing against people from all over the world.

“So we need to replicate competition and when they step up to the 18s, they start to feel the competition and see that it’s tough - you have to perform week in week out because we've got young players coming in, who are coming in and keeping their shirt.”

Finally, in his concluding remarks, Quinn was eager to get the backing of the Palace faithful as he takes his side to the north west.

“We'd appreciate it if there's any Manchester-based Palace fans there to come and cheer us on. I remember at Newcastle the other year we had some fans, and a lot were there the other day for the Under-21s.

“So obviously we know Palace fans will get behind the youngsters and, if there are any up there please come along and help the boys out. Hopefully we see some red and blue scarves in the stands that’ll give them a big boost.”

Tickets are available for this game from just £1 and it will also be LIVE on Palace TV+ - click HERE for more information!

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