Bamba: We know what to expect

Cardiff City defender Sol Bamba discussed the Bluebirds' current form whilst looking ahead at Saturday’s home fixture against Premier League title holders Manchester City.

The centre-half was speaking at St. Mary The Virgin Primary school, where he and fellow Bluebird Junior Hoilett had joined in with a PE session and donated a free equipment pack to mark the opening of this year’s Premier League Primary Stars Kit and Equipment Scheme. Find out more here!

“Our performance has been good,” Bamba said as he reflected on the Bluebirds’ recent matches. “We’ve been playing against top quality opposition which is always going to be difficult.”

“There are always positives you can take from games like against Chelsea, and I think we did well until the end, to be fair.

“We’ll take the positives from it and try to play in a similar way against Manchester City - I think we’ve got a good chance.

“Manchester City are champions for a reason, but we’re going to go out there and enjoy ourselves and try to win the game, even though we know how difficult it will be.”

The Bluebirds faced off against Pep Guardiola’s side in January’s FA Cup Fourth Round tie last season, and Sol believes that Neil Warnock’s men are in an even better place to challenge them this time around.

“I think we’ve got more experience than the last time we played them," he added. "We’ve played against other Premier League opposition so we know what to expect.

“We’re going to be ready. We’re going to try to be difficult, and playing at home is a plus.

“We’re not going to change our approach, we are a physical side and we like to play that way. They’re a good team so they’re going to try to play around it, but our approach to the game won’t change, and we’re looking to come away with a good result.”

Finally, Sol also spoke about the school visit that he undertook with the Cardiff City FC Foundation, explaining how much he and his teammates value such experiences.

“Coming back to school, seeing the kids and giving back to the community is always good to do,” he said. “I enjoy these visits, obviously we’re no different to them and I’ve got kids myself the same age, so it’s great to give back to the kids and inspire them because a lot of them look up to us.

“I was always taught to listen to teachers, coaches and be ready to learn, develop step by step, don’t rush anything and if you have a desire to follow your dreams you can make it come true.”