City boss Brian Barry-Murphy spoke following the 2-2 draw with Notts County.
It was our final pre-season encounter, and provided a stern test ahead of next week's season opener.
"It was a very satisfying workout from our point of view," Brian began. "It puts all the players in an equal position to start the training week with the view to giving everyone the chance to play against Peterborough United. It’s a very exciting week for us.
"I would always be slightly concerned if the pre-season gave us no difficult situations. Today was a game against a very good opponent, who were really well organised, and as you saw throughout the game, gave us problems that we had to deal with. I thought it was very beneficial for me to see that; I can see the players when it becomes difficult and stressful, I want to see how in-tune they are with the way that I want us to play all the time, and it was really beneficial.
"Even though the second half appeared more difficult, ironically we had more chances because we were more direct in terms of how we got in behind, and you saw some chances towards the end for Ollie [Tanner], Callum [Robinson], and Isaak Davies made a real impact when he came on, that was reflective of how we wanted the game to be played. So, it was a very beneficial game from a lot of different parts."
Alex Robertson and Isaak Davies were substituted in the game. The boss gave us an update on the duo, adding: "Alex has a really bad gash to his shin. I thought it was a poor tackle at that height, and will require stitching. Isaak felt some tightness in his hamstring, but I don’t think it’s anything to worry about.
"Based on his previous history, our job is to make sure we look after him, whilst obviously we want to push him to fulfil the undoubted potential that he has."
The Bluebirds have seven days before their opening league fixture of the 2025/26 campaign - and you can be there to watch our first training session of next week at Cardiff City Stadium at the Family Fun Day.
Brian concluded: "From Monday onwards, it’s a very exciting week. It’s our first opportunity to train at the stadium on Monday, my first experience to be there with the players and to train in front of our supporters, and then build up through the week to play in front of our supporters.
"I feel very privileged and very optimistic about the season. The energy from the supporters has been incredible, and their will to see a team play in the way that they want to see Cardiff City represented is evident - I feel as if we’ve understood that really quickly. Once we finished the game today you saw the reception that we got from the supporters. We’re looking to have a squad that excites them and makes them want to come to the game on a Saturday."
