City boss ready for tough test v Everton
City boss Malky Mackay has called for a level of consistency from his side this season, following last weekend’s stunning 3-2 win over Manchester City.The Bluebirds’ claimed their first goals, win and points in the Barclays Premier League against the 2011-12 winners in impressive fashion, with Aron Gunnarsson and a Fraizer Campbell double providing a result that surprised many of the on-watching world.
But now with minds fully focused on Saturday’s game against Everton, Malky has called on his side to remain consistent throughout the season in order to make City’s first season in the Premier League an enjoyable and successful experience.
“That win gives us belief that we can compete at this level,” said Malky. “But it’s what I believe my players can do over the course of a season.
“We take every game on its own merits. We’ll try and win every game, though I fully understand the size of the task ahead of us this season and the games we’re going to be playing.”
Up next up are an Everton side with huge experience and knowhow of what it takes to be successful in this division, finishing in the top 7 on a consistent basis now for six of the last seven Premier League campaigns.
Now under the guidance of Roberto Martinez as manager, Malky knows the test his side will be up against once again at Cardiff City Stadium.
“They’re another team that have good possession of the ball and counter quickly,” the Manager continued.
“It’s Roberto’s type of team and there will be certain tests that go along with that. We realise what a tough game it is going to be against Everton. It wasn’t a cup final on Sunday, it wasn’t a one off thing. My focus is on consistency and trying to bring that consistency to get the results we need.
“I’m fully aware of what this league is all about and the highs and lows that can happen. It’s about trying to keep the club in a consistent place and keep the belief in the players and dampen down any outside interests.”
The Bluebirds will be without Danish striker Andreas Cornelius, who picked up an ankle injury in City’s 2-0 Capital One Cup win over Accrington Stanley in the week, but will otherwise have a fully fit squad to choose from to face the Toffees.
“It was the ankle that he’d knocked a couple of weeks ago,” Malky commented. “He took a really heavy tackle on it on Wednesday night unfortunately.
“It’s a bit of bad luck for him as far as that’s concerned. We got him off on a stretcher as a precaution, but he’s certainly going to be a couple of weeks. He hasn’t done serious damage though.”
WATCH MALKY MACKAY GIVE HIS PRE-MATCH VIEW IN OUR MATCH PREVIEW SHOW IN THE CITY BELOW