OGS: IT'S BEEN AN EXCELLENT WEEK
Manager thrilled at back-to-back CCS victories
told the press of his delight at overseeing a second home win in four days for Cardiff City, after Nicky Maynard’s goal earned the Bluebirds all three points against Wigan Athletic at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday evening.Ole Gunnar SolskjærA satisfied
“It’s been a good week, I have to say,” Ole said. “We’ve had a good start to the league and we’ve played well in the Capital One Cup. Today it wasn’t very pretty – we didn’t play anywhere near the potential of the team, and I felt we lost the ball too easily and cheaply, but then the back five were magnificent. That was the big plus today.
“Fábio’s come in and worked more this summer than ever. He’s played the last twelve or thirteen games last season and he’s getting a run of games which he’s never had at this level. He’s been in and out playing one game every month, and that’s hard for a boy. I also spoke about that with Kenwyne the other day – it just takes a run of games for a player to realise his potential.
“At the moment we’re just happy that we’ve developed and improved our defending, especially in the box. David [Marshall] has needed games because he’s been injured a few times over the summer. Today he was more like himself; he was commanding his area and was taking all the crosses that went in there. That was a big plus.
“Now it’s about getting this team gelled together, especially with the two new additions this week. It will take time to get them playing the football we want them to – that was Sean [Morrison]’s first time with Matt [Connolly], we’ve not practised or trained on it, but there’s so many games. It will take a few games after the transfer window closes to get things right – some may go out before then, in which case we will have to bring someone in. If something sensational comes up, as was the case with Anthony [Pilkington], we just can’t say no. We needed Sean with Ben [Turner] out, and Nooney will be fit by September.”
New signings Sean Morrison and Anthony Pilkington both made their Cardiff City debuts in the Wigan win, and their boss was delighted with their contributions.
“Sean’s a very mature player,” the Boss started. “He’s only 23, but he looked like he was 33 with the way he played today. He did well on his debut, showed his pace and recovered from mistakes, and that was pleasing to see. Anthony is a two-footed wideman who can go inside and outside. He’s got pace, and as a full-back I don’t think you’d want to see him running at you. My scouts had followed him since way before my time here, so we just had to grab the opportunity to get him when it came up!
The Manager also addressed the reasoning behind full-back Kévin Théophile-Catherine’s departure, as the Frenchman was loaned to St Etienne ahead of the match.
“Kévin Théophile-Catherine was one that we really would have liked to keep, but he let us know that he wanted to go back to France for different reasons, and you sometimes feel like you just have to answer a boy’s wishes. Obviously Fábio and Matt Connolly can play right-back, but hopefully John Brayford can stay fit for us.
“I’m very pleased for Nicky. He’s done really well this season, his first full pre-season in years. I knew that a chance would come our way, and I’m glad our quality got us through. When a football club starts winning games, especially early on in the season, it creates a better atmosphere on the training ground, in the offices and with the fans at home."
