Nigel Clough is well aware ‘the game is over’ as League One Burton Albion prepare to host Manchester City in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
Instead of planning for a miraculous giant-killing, the manager has told his players to just enjoy 90 minutes against one of the best teams in the world.
Pep Guardiola’s men were utterly ruthless as they thumped Burton 9-0 in the first leg a fortnight ago.
Clough knows his side have no chance over overturning such a deficit when they welcome the reigning Premier League champions to the Pirelli Stadium on Wednesday.
But he has told the team and supporters to revel in the game, admitting they may never reach a major cup semi-final again.
Speaking to talkSPORT host Jim White, the Brewers boss said: “The game is over, so we’re going to enjoy it.
“I don’t think we’ll ever get to another League Cup semi-final again, so we’re going to enjoy it.
“Manchester City are coming to town, one of the best teams in the world, and we’ve just to enjoy it for what it is. I just want the players to go out an enjoy it.
“We’re more concerned about Bradford at home on Saturday, that’s our priority.
“All the supporters, we’re all realistic here. The gulf between the two clubs is absolutely massive.”
Clough also admitted he would have received no sympathy from his great, late father, Brian, following his side’s first-leg mauling.
Asked what Clough Snr would have told him after the game if he were still here today, Nigel replied: “First of all he would have said, ‘how can you concede nine?!’
“Although I would have reminded him that when he was at Brighton, Bristol Rovers beat them 8-2 in the cup – so I’d possibly remind him of that!
“Even the best have their off days and concede a few too many at times.”
