RUSSELL: GRASP THIS CUP OPPORTUNITY
Manager cites Cup progress as chance to regain momentum
Cardiff City manager Russell Slade is targeting a return to winning ways in Friday evening's F.A. Cup third round tie against Colchester United.
The Us have seen off Gosport Borough and Peterborough United to reach this stage of the competition, but have struggled for form in Sky Bet League 1 this season.
“We’ve had a couple of days to recover from the hectic Christmas schedule, and now we’re in full preparation for the game on Friday evening,” Russell said on Wednesday.
“We’ve had very little break, and a short amount of recovery time, but even on the recovery time we’ve been in. It’s a busy period for all footballers, but they get their break over the summer. There’s a lot of work to do before then.
“I like the F.A. Cup. I think that it can bring momentum to your Football Club, which is what we’re looking for again.
“There are a few carrying knocks, so we’ll be resting those, meaning there’ll be a few changes for the game. It will be a great opportunity for others to come in and stake a claim, which is what we’re demanding.
“We need a win after a few disappointing results. That’s what will make everybody feel a little bit better, and if our next opponents are Colchester, and that happens to be in the F.A. Cup, then that’s the next opportunity for us.
“When results haven’t been going your way, you have to regroup; you have to reflect, analyse. Certainly, you get together again as a unit, then go about your business trying to put things right in terms of preparation for the next game. Things can change very quickly.”
The Colchester visit will provide Cardiff City’s first test of 2015, and the turn of the year brings with it the January transfer window. Russell confirmed that plans were well in motion with regards to bringing players in and moving some on over the coming month.
“Preparations for January have already started,” he stated. “Much of that work has been going on for a week or two now, so I expect it to be a busy period for the Football Club.
WATCH THE PRE-CUP TIE THOUGHTS OF RUSSELL & TOM ADEYEMI BELOW
“It’s important that we’re alive to every situation, and we’re able to recruit what we want to recruit in terms of the type of player that we bring in. They must have the right work ethic, the right culture. At the same time, we have to ensure that players are going out as well, to make sure we’re balancing the books. We’re set for a busy time.”
