Bradford City manager Graham Alexander could not help but smile as he reflected on his side's 4-1 Carabao Cup loss at Newcastle United.
"You see the starting team that they put out," he said.
"As soon as we exchanged the teamsheets and we saw Bruno [Guimaraes] bring out the teamsheet, I thought, 'Right, OK, they're taking it properly. Real serious'."
Understandably so.
The holders were not about to underestimate the League One leaders - and did not want their defence of the trophy to end at the third-round stage. Not after a 70-year wait to win major domestic silverware.
Interestingly, Brazilians Guimaraes and Joelinton were the only starters on Wednesday night who also lined up when Newcastle beat Liverpool at Wembley to end that drought back in March.
However, such are the options now at head coach Eddie Howe's disposal, it proved a comfortable night, despite Bradford's efforts.
"The lads are very aware of the strength in depth," said Howe. "So everyone in their position will be looking over their shoulder going, 'If I don't play well today, there's someone else waiting to take my shirt'."
