RUSSELL: POSITIVITY, CONSISTENCY & STRENGTH
Club News
31st October
Cardiff City manager Russell Slade hopes to see his side get back to winning ways in Saturday’s big Sky Bet Championship clash with Leeds United.
The Bluebirds boss was wary of the threat posed by a Leeds side that have recently had a change in manager, but insisted that he was prepared for the challenge. Neil Redfearn’s side will want to improve their historical record at Cardiff this weekend.
“I see them as dangerous opposition because they’re very unpredictable,” he said. “They’ve got a talented side and it’s difficult to know what kind of system, shape and personnel we’ll be up against on Saturday because they have swapped and changed in terms of the management and the playing staff. At least from our point of view we’ve got a bit of consistency now. Much will depend on how we approach it and our attitude on the day.
“I think you find teams that are traditionally good opposition to play against will have bogey teams, that’s just the way it is. There’s been places that I’ve not enjoyed going to, and then there’s other places that I’m thrilled going to because of the record that I’ve had as a manager there is very good, so I’m not too worried about that.
“With some momentum and efficient results, we’ll be standing in good stead. It’s clear that our away form is our Achilles heel at the moment, and whilst that’s got to be addressed, it’s important that we’re consistent, strong and positive, and getting the right results at home.
“I have [targeted a certain number of points over the next three games] with my staff. We certainly want to win one of those away games.”
The Gaffer told fans to expect few changes to the starting eleven that we beaten last time out at Millwall, as Cardiff City focus on building consistency under their new boss. He also provided updates on the fitness of both Ben Turner and Kenwyne Jones.
“There’s likely to be very few changes,” Russell said. “We’re trying to get that continuity sorted now, and I’m focusing on the group that I believe can take this Club forward. Then, in January, we can look again to see if we can get a little bit more help in.
“Ben Turner is getting there – he needed the full game he got this week, and we’re pleased for him. He’s a good type, he’s a voice on the training ground, and we haven’t got too many of those. I’m delighted that he’s on his way back, and he’s very much part of my plans going forward. There’s a possibility he might be available tomorrow, and he’ll definitely be in my twenty-man squad tomorrow for the first time.
“Now we’re just waiting on Kenwyne Jones – he’s fifty-fifty, and did a little bit of work yesterday. Hopefully he’ll do more work today and come through that. It’s pleasing to see his progress, but he’ll have a fitness test for me to decide whether he’s in the group tomorrow.
“It’s only the emergency loan system that’s available to us at this moment in time, and we’re getting very close to maybe bringing in one or two. Hopefully there might be a little bit of movement for us, but I won’t name names at the moment.
“We would like two wins from the next three games, which would mean four victories from six. I think that by playing with two strikers and being positive, we’ll give ourselves a better chance of achieving that.”
