Manchester City Under-18s boss Oliver Reiss says his responsibility is on preparing his side for Thursday’s FA Youth Cup final against rivals Manchester United and not where the fixture is taking place.
The showpiece will be held at the 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium, where City’s women and academy sides play, as the main Etihad Stadium was unavailable to hold the game.
The decision to play the match there has been criticised in some parts, with United’s first-team manager Michael Carrick calling it “disappointing” and “a shame”.
It is the first time in 40 years a Manchester derby will take place in the competition, with City triumphing in a two-legged final back in 1986.
German coach Reiss says it is “extra special”, adding: “It is an experience and for me it is all about experiences and challenges in terms of developing the players.
“It will be around 7,000 and that is a huge crowd – and more of our supporters. Half the team has not had this experience before.
“I don’t know really what the players were thinking about where they would like to play. I can just that say my responsibility at the moment is having the focus on preparing the team and I was not thinking too much about the venue.
“So Etihad was the first idea and is not available. Then it was said that it’s the Joie Stadium and we are really happy to play there and for me it’s just really the responsibility is having the focus on preparing.”