SOLSKJAER RELISHING FIRST MATCH

City manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking forward to his first match in charge of the Bluebirds as they face Newcastle United in the FA Cup third round at St James’ Park.

After being announced as the new manager of Cardiff City on Thursday afternoon, Solskjaer has been busy getting to know his side at the Vale - taking his first training session on Friday before traveling to the North East for the game.

And speaking to the press ahead of the trip, Solskjaer said: “I think the FA Cup is important and for me to see what the lads are capable on a match day.

“It’s a hard game at the end of a tough and busy festive period. I’ve watched a lot of games back and I’ve got a good idea and view on how we should approach this game. The Premier League is obviously very important, but the FA Cup is a chance to build momentum.

“It’s a chance to see the lads play and I can’t wait to see them out on the grass. We’ve got a week break after the game so there is still chance to recover after Saturday.

“For me it’s great and I’ve had a six week break since my last game and the cup final in Norway so I’m eager to get going. For me it’s a good way of getting into the job.”

City face a Newcastle United side that have been on top form in the Premier League this campaign, sitting in eighth position in the top flight despite back-to-back defeats to Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion in the last week.

And well accustomed to the St James’ Park atmosphere from his time as a player, Solskjaer knows exactly what to expect when he leads his Cardiff City team out in the North East for the first time.

“It’s been an impressive season for Newcastle this season,” said Solskjaer. “I’ve been to St James’ Park and played there a few times; it’ll be a fantastic atmosphere and they’re a good side.

“Every game is important. We know how close we were to winning the trophy just a few years ago and we’ll be going to Newcastle to get into the next round.

“The lads have had a lot of games lately and it was a tough game against Arsenal, but we’ll need a lot of energy to face Newcastle away from home.”

And as for his initial impression of his new club after his first full day in charge, the Norwegian said: “The first thing you get is a feel for the club and a feel for the people at the club and I’ve been really impressed. 

“It’s been good to come in and be greeted with smiles, the good football people that they are has been great. It’s been a busy time but I can’t wait for a game of football to get going.

“Of course it’s a period of transition early on but we have to be able to implement out ideas as quickly as possible.”

City face a Newcastle United side that have been on top form in the Premier League this campaign, sitting in eighth position in the top flight despite back-to-back defeats to Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion in the last week.

And well accustomed to the St James’ Park atmosphere from his time as a player, Solskjaer knows exactly what to expect when he leads his Cardiff City team out in the North East for the first time.

“It’s been an impressive season for Newcastle this season,” said Solskjaer. “I’ve been to St James’ Park and played there a few times; it’ll be a fantastic atmosphere and they’re a good side.

“Every game is important. We know how close we were to winning the trophy just a few years ago and we’ll be going to Newcastle to get into the next round.

“The lads have had a lot of games lately and it was a tough game against Arsenal, but we’ll need a lot of energy to face Newcastle away from home.”