Cardiff City’s biggest downfalls this season as relegation threatens Bluebirds

National World - LocalTV

Cardiff City find themselves in a tense relegation battle, with a season that has been defined more by inconsistency and frustration than progress. We discuss the key problems that have dragged Cardiff into this position, what needs to change quickly, and whether there’s enough within the squad to pull off a late escape.

Transcript

00:00Now, Cardiff City find themselves in a tense relegation battle

00:06with a season that has been defined by more inconsistency and frustration than progress.

00:13Despite flashes of promise, too many issues have plagued the Bluebirds

00:17from a lack of goals to defensive lapses and an inability to turn performances into three points.

00:24Injuries, tactical uncertainty and an over-reliance on individual moments

00:28rather than a cohesive team play have all contributed to their struggles.

00:34Our field concerns and questions around long-term planning haven't helped either

00:38as the club continues to search for stability both on and off the pitch.

00:43We discuss the key problems that have dragged Cardiff into this position,

00:46what needs to change quickly and whether there's enough within the squad to pull off a late escape.

00:52Well, Charles, the things for Cardiff City are still looking pretty dire in the Championship,

01:00although they did secure themselves what could be a vital point

01:05come the end of the season in the Championship.

01:07On Tuesday evening, a draw away at Preston North End.

01:11Yaku Mite, I think I've got the pronunciation right on that one,

01:14grabbing a last gasp equaliser for the Bluebirds at Deepdale.

01:19Well, not a win, but as I say there, it could prove to be a vital point.

01:23It keeps them level with Derby County, who also drew.

01:25They drew with Burnley, which to be fair to Derby County, that's quite a good result

01:28against a really strong Burnley side.

01:30But for Cardiff, I think if they'd lost that game and Burnley drew,

01:34yes, they'd only probably gain a point on them,

01:35but it keeps them bang level and only a point behind.

01:39The team's just ahead of them as well.

01:41So not the greatest result in the world,

01:44but certainly I think given the context of the equaliser

01:46and the time it came and the confidence that might bring,

01:49the fact that it keeps them level on points with the team above them

01:51just outside the relegation zone,

01:53probably a really valuable point for Cardiff City and Omariza's side as well.

01:58So all things still to play,

02:00four games still remain in the Championship,

02:01five games left,

02:03but I think that game can certainly provide a lot of confidence,

02:06just getting that equaliser at such a vital time.

02:09I mean, yeah, as you say,

02:11the confidence that that brings is massive.

02:14It just shows fans that there could be

02:16that little bit of fight left in this team,

02:18this side who have pressed and had a real dire campaign

02:22from start to finish,

02:23with the managerial situation,

02:25the protest to the board saying

02:28there's not enough communication of what's actually going on.

02:31The summer window is disappointing.

02:33The January window is actually the only sort of saving grace

02:36where they brought in the likes of Yusuf Salak,

02:38got an assist as well in the game.

02:41He's been fantastic since he came in.

02:44But yeah, the slide down the table has been so damning.

02:47I think maybe ever since the South Wales Derby win,

02:52it's all sort of gone slowly downhill

02:54and teams around them have really started to pick up.

02:58And then you look at Cardiff City,

03:00but there is some positives to take

03:03and it's the fact that they aren't beaten in a few games.

03:06They haven't lost since the diabolical loss at home to Luton Town.

03:12They haven't lost since then.

03:13I mean, that's positive.

03:14They are becoming slightly harder to beat,

03:16which is good.

03:17Obviously, drawing with Sheffield Wednesday,

03:19QPR and now Preston.

03:21And yes, as you say,

03:21finding a late, late, late goal like that.

03:25You know, that could be the goal that just you look at.

03:27Yes, they're in a relegation zone at the moment.

03:30But if they are to stay up, that could be the goal.

03:34That could be the goal where, you know,

03:36fans and pundits look at it and go,

03:38was that the turning point?

03:40Was that the one that sort of kept them in this championship?

03:43Because, you know, if they drop three points there,

03:46it all looks way bleaker, as I say,

03:48because Derby County are, you know,

03:50slowly trying to make sure that they're becoming a better side.

03:53They had, you know, a win at four games in a row of wins

03:56only a couple of weeks ago

03:59and then drew it home to Burnley,

04:00who were obviously promotion contenders.

04:02So that was a great point for them at home.

04:04And, you know, it's obviously a very, very tough situation.

04:07It's been a long season, as I say,

04:09and Cardiff City are really hoping to avoid the drop.

04:13If they are to go down,

04:15would there be fair suitors for it?

04:17Possibly, you know, 17 losses in the championship,

04:21along with a fair few signs.

04:22I mean, if you look down at the table,

04:24it's only four points to 16th.

04:27If they can get anything from them, that's a positive.

04:29But those three home games, if they get nine points,

04:32I'm sure they'll just about be safe

04:35in this championship relegation battle

04:36and can hopefully push on for a better future

04:40because this is a situation

04:41they definitely want to avoid next season.

Category

Transcript

Recommended