Interview: Leeds United's Gary Monk on facing up to Uwe Rosler's Fleetwood Town

Uwe Rosler, sacked by Massimo Cellino just two months and 12 games into last season, has played down the significance of tonight’s reunion but there can be no doubting just what a potential banana skin that the trip to Fleetwood Town represents for Leeds.

An exit at the first round stage to League One opposition for a second year running would be a big blow, especially on the back of United’s 3-0 loss at Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.

Not that Monk is allowing himself to focus on anything but claiming a place in tonight’s second-round draw.

“There will be ups and down along the way,” said the United chief. “But what we want at the end of the season is for the fans to be proud of what we have done. That is a long process. We have to all stick together.”

Rosler’s presence in the home dugout tonight will add an intriguing extra element to the first meeting between these two clubs.

Asked if he had spoken to the German before taking the Leeds job, Monk replied: “No. I like to make my own judgements. When I meet people going into a situation, I like to make my own judgements and I don’t want that to be clouded by anyone else.

“I came here without speaking to anyone to make my own mind up and I think that’s the best way to work. That is pretty much the process.“

Monk has happy memories of this competition, having been in the Swansea City team that beat Bradford City in the 2013 final.

“That is the nature of the cup,” he added when asked about taking on a team from the third tier. “That underdog tag can be a motivation but I don’t see them (Fleetwood) as underdogs. I see us very even at the moment. It is a 0-0 scoreline, you both have 11 players and you both want to win. If we do our best I’m positive we can get a result but it’ll be a very tough game.”

Pablo Hernandez is available tonight after his international clearance came through to rubber-stamp the six-month loan deal of the former Valencia man. The Spaniard had hoped to be involved against QPR last Sunday but the paperwork was held up and Monk said: “It is a big boost for everyone.”

Marco Silvestri (knee) misses the trip to the west coast along with Gaetano Berardi (leg) as United look to avoid a first round exit.

Last six games: Fleetwood Town DLDDWD, Leeds United WWDLDL.

Referee: D Coote (West Yorkshire).

Last time: Never met.