Phillip Cocu is excited about the prospect of standing on the touchline before a sold-out Pride Park Stadium this evening.
His Derby County side will take on Premier League giants Manchester United in the Fifth Round of the Emirates FA Cup (7:45pm kick-off).
A place in the Quarter Finals of the competition is up for grabs and supporters were quick to secure their seats for the big game, with tickets selling out towards the end of last week.
Taking on top-flight opposition, and one of the biggest clubs in world football, provides another opportunity for Derby to test themselves on the big stage.
Cocu says everyone in the Derby camp must believe in their qualities and fight for the opportunity to pull off a cup shock against the Red Devils.
“You have to believe that you can reach your goal,” Cocu told RamsTV.
“Playing at Pride Park Stadium in a sold-out game is a great experience and match for the players.
“We don’t have to talk about a motivation or atmosphere in the stadium because that will be perfect, so we just have to fight for the opportunity to beat them.
“It won’t be easy, but I think you have to believe that you can do it.”
Derby haven’t reached the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup since the 1998/99 season under the late Jim Smith.
Cocu says that statistic provides motivation for his side and he admitted: “The FA Cup is very special to play and participate in so any chance we can get to go on in the competition then we will take it.
“It’s a great challenge for us, difficult challenge, but if we can do it then I think it will be a great achievement and we will go for it.”
