Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink wants to see the FA Cup switched to a midweek competition but is in favour of keeping replays.
A number of possible alterations to the world's oldest football competition were discussed this week, prompted by the hectic schedules faced by teams in European competition.
The suggestions have prompted uproar amongst the game's traditionalists, but Hiddink drew a line in the sand between tradition and what he sees as the reality of the modern game.
He said: “About midweek, I'm in favour of that I think, and having the weekends for Premier League. Midweek it can have a lot of attention. Until you go to the final stage, which is semi-finals and final, which I think the whole world likes to see, because of its importance, in the weekends.
“I think of course we have a very tight schedule for all the big clubs – playing in Europe, playing tight schedule Premier League. On the other hand, I think for smaller clubs it's a big adventure, to have the opportunity when they have a good result to get a second leg.
“We should not just think of the big ones. Try to get a good schedule, but not forget the clubs who love to play against the big clubs. That's charming in the FA Cup, and the FA Cup is a charming tournament.”
Manuel Pellegrini, manager of Chelsea's fifth round opponents on Sunday , Manchester City, has made no secret of prioritsing the Champions League and is expected to field a handul of youngters at Stamford Bridge. But Hiddink does not think that will necessarily be to his side's advantage.
He said: “If so, I bet the young players give 120 per cent. It's not always something in your favour. Look at (one of Chelsea's youngsters) Betrand Traore. He is so ambitious, training well, learning every week, and when you put them in, it's not easy to play against them.”
With Chelsea still off the pace in the Premier League and 2-1 down at half time of their Champions League knock-out tie with Paris St Germain, the FA Cup could represent their best chance of European football next season.
Hiddink added: “We have a serious approach to the FA Cup. (It will be) difficult to get fourth position, but regardless with what else it brings, it would be nice to go for the ultimate target, which is the FA Cup.
“When I came here in December they said get away from relegation zone, which we are step by step. We are now climbing the table, that was the first target. The second was of course to see if we could go into the FA Cup final, so it's equally important.
“It would be beautiful (to win the FA Cup). Everyone knows how the season started and how the season progessed. If you can turn around a bit at the end when the prizes are divided up by the clubs, big clubs always must be there at the stage when the prizes are handed over.”
