Lo Celso: ‘We know how important the FA Cup is’

In-form Giovani Lo Celso wants to taste the fabled ‘magic of the FA Cup’ as attentions turn to Saturday’s fourth round tie at Southampton.

The tenacious midfielder is a two-time Coupe de France winner with Paris Saint-Germain, even scoring in the 2018 Final as PSG triumphed for a fourth year in succession.

Hailing from Argentina, the 23-year-old was well aware of the FA Cup’s rich history even before arriving on these shores last summer following spells in France and Spain.

And as we prepare to return to St Mary’s for the second time already this year with a place in the fifth round at stake, he’s eager to build on his third round replay goal against Middlesbrough and really make his mark in English domestic cup football.

“We know how important this cup is and we’ll give our best to advance,” he said. “We know that it’s a competition that has a lot of prestige but let’s keep going the way we’re going because we’re doing well.

“We have a very important game against Southampton, a very tough opponent in a very tough stadium, but we know that we need to win to proceed so we need to rest and prepare well for it.”

Gio earned widespread praise for his performance in the midweek home win over Norwich City. Indeed, Jose Mourinho branded him “phenomenal” as the former Real Betis man really showed his talents, having a key impact at both ends of the field.

“I’m enjoying this moment,” he smiled after our victory over the Canaries. “I know that when I have the opportunity to play I have to do well and give my best for the team.

“We’ve got three very important points after a few games where we didn’t manage to win at home and it’s very important for everyone’s confidence. I was happy for the win and the performance from the whole team – now we have to keep going.”