MALKY: WE FULLY EARNED OUR WIN AT LEEDS
Malky Mackay praised the work ethic and professionalism of his squad after picking up a double over Leeds at Elland Road – the one nil win coming at a ground that had until today enjoyed a rich vein of form in recent times.
“It’s always going to be a hard fought game when you come to Elland Road or face a Neil Warnock team, added to by the fact that they were unbeaten in six games here prior to the game today, beating six teams in the division on home soil,” he said. “That and their result over strong Premier League Spurs here last week in the FA Cup let us know that we’d have to be at our best, so I’m very happy to be leaving Leeds with three points.
“We played really well today and came here with a game plan, while in the last fifteen to twenty minutes we really had to dig in as balls were being rained down on us. The win is a positive, as is another clean sheet, something the near five hundred long travelling fans can enjoy on the way home tonight.”
Debutant Fraizer Campbell will naturally take the brunt of headline writer attention, scoring on his second touch after his introduction in the second half. For Mackay it’s something to enjoy, especially based on the striker’s quick assimilation at his new club.
Speaking on Fraizer’s impact and potential, Malky said, “I know the type of player he is and I’m delighted to see Fraizer get his first Cardiff City goal on his debut. From here it’s about treating the player the right way, much as we did when we brought in Tommy Smith and Craig Bellamy. We’ll be cautious with him over the next few weeks as to the amount of football he plays, considering the fact that he had spent large spells on the bench for Sunderland.
“He’s a smashing lad though and we all know what he can do and what he can add to our squad when he’s fully up to speed. He desperately wants to play, has humility about him and has already integrated well and become a part of what is a very good group of professionals. That’s what I’m looking for and we’re happy to give him a platform to express himself, hopefully becoming a part of something special here.
“Today is also about how we defended as a team. I’ve already gone on record in my belief that David is the best keeper in this division. He always does well for us and today had two saves to make, which on numbers alone I’m happy they were restricted to at Elland Road, especially after their recent run of home form. That stat is a credit to my whole team in the way we defended when needed, while when called upon Marshy was as dependable as ever.”
Despite some outside already preparing for Cardiff City as a top flight addition, Malky wants feet kept on the ground based on his experience and knowledge of an often cruel division.
“At this point there’s still too much football to be played to be talking about tables, you’ve simply got to keep working hard on maintaining a consistency,” he said. “At this club we only look at the next game ahead, the team that’s right in front of our face, because as has been seen today, yet again in this league, some results have raised eyebrows. Overall I’m delighted with the mentality of my squad and that’s something we’ll need to maintain if we are to achieve anything here.”
