Steven Schumacher: Plymouth Argyle manager's rise from Everton Under-11s to facing Chelsea

«It's mad,» Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher says when he compares himself to opposite number Thomas Tuchel before his side's FA Cup fourth round trip to European champions Chelsea.

«My mate who I worked with at Everton's academy texted me as soon as we beat Birmingham [in round three], and we got the draw on and said 'you've gone from managing Everton's under-11s to the champions of Europe in four years'.»

Saturday's FA Cup tie certainly marks a rapid rise for Schumacher, who takes his League One Argyle side to Stamford Bridge in just his 10th game as a manager.

The 37-year-old Liverpudlian stepped up from assistant to become the Pilgrims' boss in early December after his «best friend» Ryan Lowe left to take over at Preston North End.

But he now goes from planning a 3-1 away win at Doncaster Rovers last Saturday to pitting his wits against the man who has just been named the best coach in the world by Fifa.

«It's a bit daunting to be honest,» Schumacher tells BBC Sport about going up against Tuchel, who has guided sides to the Champions League final twice — double the number of FA Cup ties Schumacher has managed.

«I'm under no illusions that it's going to be a difficult afternoon, but I just want to embrace it and enjoy it as best as possible.

»I was in St George's Park on my pro licence and immediately went 'yes' when we got Chelsea away and then thought 'oh my God, we're going up against the European champions away from home'," says Schumacher, who watched the draw with Cambridge boss Mark Bonner, whose side won at Newcastle in the third round last month.

«I think all managers would feel that, but you can't be overawed by it, you've got to try and enjoy it, put a plan together for your team and go there and give it