Conor Hourihane once played in the final of the EFL Cup and is hoping to start a good run with Barnsley on Wednesday when they host League Two Fleetwood Town on Wednesday from 7.45pm.
The Reds head coach played for them in a 5-3 extra-time loss to Everton in 2015 and was part of the coaching staff during the run to the third round at Manchester United last season.
He told the Chronicle: “I remember the Everton game the last time I was here. I was fortunate to play in the final for Villa against Man City. Cup runs can be amazing.
“I was a part of the one last year at Old Trafford. The build-up to that was brilliant, with the fans who went to Old Trafford that night.
“We just want to win as many games of football as we can. I think that’s really important. That’s the mindset I want.”
Hourihane also responded to supporter criticism of defender Mael de Gevigney.
“Everyone in the building loves Mael.
“If everyone was like him, we’d be doing fine. I don’t have to handle him. He trains properly every single day.
“The back line in general, there have been big changes in the first two games.
“The two full-backs in Plymouth were centre halves in the next game and we had two new full-backs.
“We played a team that goes long and direct so it’s not ideal.
“If there is criticism of Mael, it is nonsense. He’s doing a top class job for the club.”
Hourihane is expected to make several changes for the cup tie from the league team.
“There will be a couple of changes in this game, and EFL Trophy games. You have to go with a team that will win the game and that will be the same on Wednesday.”
He added: “The people who may’ve been disappointed so far with their minutes have an opportunity to impress and show me why they should be in the team.”
Jon Russell, who starred towards the end of last season, has been on the bench for the first two league games.
“Jon will play on Wednesday. No doubt he will be disappointed I decided not to play him but it doesn’t mean he won’t be used going forward. He will be champing at the bit on Wednesday to put in a performance and say: ‘this is why you shouldn’t me leave out.’ I’m looking forward to that.”
Hourihane said Neil Farrugia would be involved after an injury at the start of the season and added: “We need to get him a little bit more robust so he is involved in squads on a consecutive basis.”
