Normally in the competitive world of football, an easy run in a cup competition would be welcomed with open arms. There are countless examples of luck going against every team in the world, so a favourable cup run is never to be sniffed at.
In the Manchester City academy, though, the coaching staff tasked with shaping the next generation of Blues insist on giving their players the toughest tasks possible - and welcome unfavourable cup draws if it gives those players new challenges to overcome.
Take the UEFA Youth League, for example, where City resume their European campaign this week away to Hajduk Split. After overcoming Sevilla, Borussia Dortmund and Copenhagen in the group stage, a testing draw away in Croatia has been welcomed within the academy.
