Erol Bulut spoke to the media following City's 3-5 loss to Southampton in the Carabao CuP.
A youthful Bluebirds side took the Premier League Saints all the way at CCS, with an energetic, attacking performance throughout.
“We can take a lot of positives from today’s game when we see the youngsters, what they delivered, especially in the second half against a Premier League club.” Erol began. "We had chances at 3-3 to score which could mean we would be speaking differently now and maybe in the next round.
"It’s of course disappointing two minutes before the end to concede that goal. It would be great to go to penalties, particularly for the fans as it would make it more exciting, but the game is how it is.
“First half, I think we showed too much respect for Southampton. In the dressing room at half time I said, ‘We don’t have to respect anybody. They are players, you are players, go out and play the game and press high!’', to give them more confidence, more freedom, and the second half was good.”
Rubin Colwill impressed for City this evening and was heavily involved in all three goals.
“This is what we expect from Rubin. Every week, I hope.” Erol added. “He has that quality; in training sessions he shoots, sometimes he scores goals like this at training. As the manager, I know he can deliver this level.
“We need Rubin for 90 minutes with that performance, and I know he can deliver it. He has to work on a few things, not to try and do everything alone and be a bit more disciplined.
“I try to give a lot of advice to all my players, not just Rubin, as much help as I can, but especially with him because I know what he can deliver.”
New signing Alex Robertson also played 45 minutes from the bench, grabbing his first goal for the Bluebirds.
“Last season he was out for three months due to injury, so he needs time but today was really good - of course, he needs a few more games with the people around him.
"Not just him, also [Jesper] Daland, [Wilfried] Kanga too.They have to grow to each other. A few weeks later we can still talk about much, much more positive things.
“I’m happy with that performance, also with the youngsters, you can see what they delivered. For some of them, it was their first time playing against Premier League players.
"I remember what it was like at 17 playing your first minutes, so I can understand how they feel, but it was a a great performance they showed today. We came so close to winning the game.”