Mick post-Southampton | Always good to test yourself

Mick McCarthy spoke to the press following our return to Cardiff City Stadium against Southampton as preparations continue for 2021/22.

The Bluebirds support were in attendance for the first time in over a year as City’s players got a good run out against the Premier League outfit.

“I loved the atmosphere, it was a great workout and it was going to be a tough game,” began Mick following the final whistle. “I thought Sparky [Mark Harris] played well up front and the pick of the bunch was Mark McGuinness.

“For most of the first-half, I was really pleased with what we were doing: the shape of the team, how we worked, some of the passing and certainly in terms of nullifying them, until we gave the ball away and it ended up in our net.

“We actually had a good reaction because then Ryan Giles had a good effort stopped by the goalkeeper.”

The Gaffer made seven second-half changes, including the introductions of youngsters Tom Davies and Taylor Jones, while Ralph Hasenhüttl brought on seven proven Premier League players. 

“In the second-half, we gave the ball away for the second and third goals and they put seven subs on - I’m not sure it weakened their team, I think it made it stronger to be honest.

“We took players off and put Tom Davies on, who has been terrific and Taylor Jones. I thought Sam Bowen was excellent, he’s played well.

“It’s always good to test yourself and you learn more in defeat than you do if you win the game.”

Mick’s full reaction is now available to watch on Cardiff City TV.