Port Vale FA Cup standout Ben Waine states that ‘the pressure is entirely on Chelsea’
Port Vale’s cup standout Ben Waine asserts that the pressure lies with Chelsea as the bottom team in League One prepares to visit Stamford Bridge this weekend.
Waine netted the decisive goal as the Valiants shocked Premier League side Sunderland last month, paving the way for an FA Cup quarterfinal clash with the reigning world champions.
Vale’s unexpected journey in the tournament has offered some rare highlights in an otherwise bleak season, with the team sitting 14 points below safety in the third tier and facing the threat of relegation.
Waine believes the squad has nothing to lose as they approach Saturday’s match.
“I don’t think there should be significant pressure on the team,” remarked the New Zealand international.
“The gap in quality is evident — the world champions compete in the Premier League while we are positioned where we are in the league.
“We recognize that we are the underdogs, quite simply, so I don’t feel an overwhelming amount of pressure regarding that.
“It’s more about, ‘How can we surprise them?’ If anything, the pressure might be a bit heavier on them.”
Waine has experienced an eventful time recently, with his Alan Shearer-inspired celebration following his goal against Sunderland earning him a congratulatory message from the former Newcastle striker.
Waine, a lifelong supporter of the Magpies, stated: “Even the fact that he acknowledged the celebration after that last game was significant for me. That’s something special.”
Additionally, Waine, who was also the match-winner against Bristol City in the fourth round, has just returned from World Cup warm-up matches against Finland and Chile in Auckland.
“It’s always a privilege to be called up for your national team, especially back home in front of family — and to score a goal made it even more special,” Waine said, having found the net against the South Americans on Monday.
“It’s been quite a whirlwind, but I’m really excited, and what a match to return to.”
The excitement is unlikely to end there, with the upcoming World Cup this summer, but he is not concentrating on that just yet.
He mentioned: “It’s straightforward for me now that I’m back here. It was enjoyable to participate in those preparatory matches for the World Cup, but now the focus is on finishing the season strongly.
“It’s about extracting what we can from this game and hopefully creating an upset, then it’s straight back to the league and earnestly working to keep this club up.”
