Ralls pre-Sunderland | We're excited to be back
Joe Ralls spoke to the press ahead of the Bluebirds’ Sky Bet Championship opener against Sunderland.
City head into the new campaign after a positive pre-season, which included a hugely productive tour of Austria.
“Pre-season is always exciting,” Joe began. “You always have that optimism of a new season. I know all the boys are excited to get going.
“Knowing the manager and the coaching staff, it means we can work and build on what was a decent year last year. We want to try to be even better this season. The foundations are already there and we have added in some good players as well.
“It’s about integrating as a team and trying to have a better season than what we did last year. Having that stability and having worked with the manager before and a lot of the players are still here, that will stand us in good stead.”
The 2023/24 campaign was one of progress for the Bluebirds, ending the season 12th in the Sky Bet Championship table.
Joe continued: “We want to improve on that standing. Where we had been the two years prior, in context, we have to look at it as a good season. It’s still not quite where we want to be, but we have to look at it as progress. We’ll be looking to kick on this season and get as high in the table as we can.
“We’re trying to be on the front foot a lot more. The home record was disappointing for us last season, and it’s something that we’re looking to try and put right. Different games will bring up different challenges, but we will try and be more aggressive in attack.”
Saturday’s opponents, Sunderland, finished 16th in the Sky Bet Championship last season.
The Black Cats have also added to their squad in the summer, adding goalkeepers Simon Moore and Blondy Nna Noukeu, midfielder Alan Browne and winger Ian Poveda.
“We’re expecting a really tough game," Joe added. "I’m excited, first and foremost, to be back at the stadium with all our fans here. It’s going to be a tough game; we know that they’re a good footballing side with really good individual players that can change the game at any time.
“It’s one where we’re going to have to be really concentrated at all times, but it’s a great game for us to start the season. I’m sure they’ll travel down in good numbers, it’s a big club, Sunderland, and we’ll have our brilliant home support here as well, so I’m really looking forward to the game and I expect a tough test, but one that we’re looking forward to.”