Ahead of Saturday's trip to the Stadium of Light, Omer Riza spoke to the press at CCS.
With this weekend's clash coming amidst a busy run of fixtures for the Bluebirds, Omer discussed City's approach to Saturday following a narrow Home defeat to Burnley during the week.
“They’re a good young side; energetic, robust considering their age and playing good football," Riza began. "It will be a tough game for us when we go away to them on Saturday.
“They’re up there and deserve to be there on the table, and we have to go there over the weekend and break that spirit.
“Elements of our game on Tuesday were good, we created chances but at the other end didn’t quite keep the ball of the net, and that’s what we’ll make sure that we keep working on.
“We’re focussed and know that we could’ve gotten more from the game, and move forwards.
“With games coming thick and fast, we have to be physically and mentally ready to go and pick up points.”
Addressing the importance of rotating the squad during a busy period in the campaign, Omer shared his insight on the quick turnaround required for Tuesday night's return to CCS as City host Luton Town, and getting results from all available fixtures.
“I think that with the players coming back from injury, the priority is that we have got them available for the next games.
"If that means that a game in between has to be missed, then that’s what it is. All of the players are important, and I think that we’ve got the strongest squad we possibly can for Luton, and the same for Sunderland.
“We have to select accordingly depending on where they are with fitness and recovery, and what we need against the opposition that we’re playing against. Every game is important, and we want to try to win every one.
"David Turnbull is back in training and has done well. Jesper Daland is on the grass running too."
Watch more from Omer and Sivert Mannsverk on Cardiff City TV!