Brian Barry-Murphy spoke to the press after an impressive 4-1 victory over UEFA Champions League side AS Roma.
“It was a great test for us.” Brian began. “We wanted this game purely because of the opposition that they are, and it was as competitive as we thought it would be, so it was really beneficial for us.
“We feel as if we have been improving throughout the course of pre-season. We obviously have a long way to go and a lot more to do, but I think the intensity of the game was just what we wanted so it would bring us on a lot and physically improve us, and it worked.
“You always want a little bit more, but we have an appreciation of how little football we’ve played and I understand we have to be patient with the players while they become physically conditioned to the way we want to play."
Cian Ashford netted a brace for City playing in a slightly different position, in the number ten role just behind Yousef Salech.
Brian commented: “I think he can do it really well. He’s shown us some really exciting things in that position and we know how good he is in wide areas. Cian can change the direction very quickly, and sometimes in central areas it can be harder for players to deal with that change in direction.
"You saw in the first half the move where he slipped in Joel Colwill, and he has the quality to make those final movements and create chances which is so important in that area.”
Alex Robertson also continued his impressive pre-season form from the defensive midfield position.
"Obviously there was a spell at this stage last season where it wasn’t straightforward, but since that he has been a cornerstone of our environment. Every single thing we try and do, he is a huge part of it. He can do that role for sure, but that’s an area that we are looking to improve and strengthen.”
The boss also provided a fitness update, as Dylan Lawlor and Rubin Colwill both missed today's fixture due to different injury issues.
“Rubin is not in full training, he has a slight issue with his ankle. Dylan has a knee issue which he is carrying from the last international break with Wales. He’s making progress, trained yesterday, but just wasn’t ready for today. Hopefully both those players will be back in training towards the middle of the next week."
Watch more from Brian, Alex Robertson and Gabe Osho on Cardiff City TV.