RUSSELL LOOKS AHEAD AT BLUES TEST
Club News
7th November
In his press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Birmingham City, Cardiff City manager Russell Slade talked about a possible change in approach away from home as the Bluebirds seek to find their first win on the road this season.
The Gaffer talked tactics as City look to overcome the Blues and take all three points at Birmingham City on Saturday.
“We are focused on Birmingham City and Gary Rowett has his players organised,” he said. “They had a big win against Watford, but we have to concentrate on our system. We are not keeping clean sheets and we need to start doing that. We have to stay in that game at Birmingham and if we do that we have the ability to score goals.
“We have only had two games away - 180 minutes. At Millwall there was little in it, we conceded from a set piece and another day we might have won. At Bolton I was extremely disappointed with the first half performance, but I changed things and we did take the game to them for a while. I am flexible, I changed after 45 minutes at Bolton. We have a game plan, but will change it when necessary.
“It’s important not to lose belief in what we want to do. They will roll their sleeves up and work for the team. We have to ensure we can get results we need going forward. Clearly, the mindset of being away should not be an issue. There is the mental side and then the issue of ensuring we are not soft, not easy to play against away. We must be solid and resilient. When we lose the ball it must not be just the goalkeeper and back four defending. We all have to defend.
“I am thinking of changes at Birmingham. It’s been on my mind, thinking through what I might be able to do.
“Ben [Turner] has had his games outside the first team, he was in the group at Bolton. He has given himself a chance of being in contention. Ravel Morrison has a knee problem and Bruno Manga a calf strain, so we’ll check up on those. Tom Adeyemi, though, is in contention this weekend.
“Mats has had an injury that gives him trouble now and again. He has a hip injury which causes a problem. It is causing a real tightness and has an effect on him. It’s not going away quickly. Like all players he must be up for the fight. He has quick feet, can find pockets of space and just because he isn’t six foot tall doesn’t have to go against him. I don’t see why he can’t cope with the physicality.”
Russell also gave an update on Kenwyne Jones, who is currently away on compassionate leave, and explained that he had been in contact with the Trinidadian FA as to the frontman’s situation.
“Kenwyne will be back after the international break,” he said. “We are liaising with the Trinidad FA. There are four games scheduled for them. There has been a compromise and an awareness of Kenwyne’s situation.
“They understand it’s unfair to ask too much of him and we are pleased with that situation.”
