FT: CARDIFF CITY 2 - 0 PORTSMOUTH. Match thread

[goats]

I'm not so sure about that. I never really detected a lack of effort from the players (apart from Kanga perhaps, but he still looks hopeless under Riza). The problem was that under Bulut the tactics were so defensive, the formation was so rigid and the team selections were so negative.

There's no doubt that several players are going to be feeling a lot better about their games now (such as Robinson, Colwill, Tanner, Robertson and Turnbull). Riza is putting his trust in them and they are responding. They are also playing in their natural positions.

The midfield in particular looks much improved now. Robertson has settled and is being given a licence to play his game. Turnbull has been brought back into the fold (he is one who clearly had issues with Bulut's way of playing). Colwill's in his proper position and is thriving. Add to that we now have Robinson starting games as opposed to Kanga, and everything looks more positive going forward.

Bulut insisted of fielding Ralls and Siopis whenever possible. With the best will in the world, they're not going to create much, no matter how hard everyone is working.

Exactly this….so obvious too most?

[Rjk]

I'm not so sure about that. I never really detected a lack of effort from the players (apart from Kanga perhaps, but he still looks hopeless under Riza). The problem was that under Bulut the tactics were so defensive, the formation was so rigid and the team selections were so negative.

There's no doubt that several players are going to be feeling a lot better about their games now (such as Robinson, Colwill, Tanner, Robertson and Turnbull). Riza is putting his trust in them and they are responding. They are also playing in their natural positions.

The midfield in particular looks much improved now. Robertson has settled and is being given a licence to play his game. Turnbull has been brought back into the fold (he is one who clearly had issues with Bulut's way of playing). Colwill's in his proper position and is thriving. Add to that we now have Robinson starting games as opposed to Kanga, and everything looks more positive going forward.

Bulut insisted of fielding Ralls and Siopis whenever possible. With the best will in the world, they're not going to create much, no matter how hard everyone is working.

I agree totally, even if a new manager had the players running through walls for him, if he was trying the same tactics that Bulut was, with the same personnel then I don't think our results would ultimately be much different to it was under Bulut.

We now play a way which suits our players, and you can at least see on paper how it is going to allow us to create chances to score - that is far more the source of our improvement than the players liking Riza more than Bulut.

[Eric the Half a Bee]

I'm not so sure about that. I never really detected a lack of effort from the players (apart from Kanga perhaps, but he still looks hopeless under Riza). The problem was that under Bulut the tactics were so defensive, the formation was so rigid and the team selections were so negative.

There's no doubt that several players are going to be feeling a lot better about their games now (such as Robinson, Colwill, Tanner, Robertson and Turnbull). Riza is putting his trust in them and they are responding. They are also playing in their natural positions.

The midfield in particular looks much improved now. Robertson has settled and is being given a licence to play his game. Turnbull has been brought back into the fold (he is one who clearly had issues with Bulut's way of playing). Colwill's in his proper position and is thriving. Add to that we now have Robinson starting games as opposed to Kanga, and everything looks more positive going forward.

Bulut insisted of fielding Ralls and Siopis whenever possible. With the best will in the world, they're not going to create much, no matter how hard everyone is working.

Ralls, Siopis and Wintle at no 10. What a combo....

I recall a few years ago someone suggesting we had a good record when McPhail and Ledley partnered each other in centre midfield and Whittingham started. That seemed quite lightweight to me but it was true that we won every game, albeit only a few, when this happened. We've always had it instilled in us that we have to have a midfield hard man, but I don't believe that is a necessity. Being able to pass the ball and be creative has more benefits.

[The Lone Gunman]

I agree totally, even if a new manager had the players running through walls for him, if he was trying the same tactics that Bulut was, with the same personnel then I don't think our results would ultimately be much different to it was under Bulut.

We now play a way which suits our players, and you can at least see on paper how it is going to allow us to create chances to score - that is far more the source of our improvement than the players liking Riza more than Bulut.

In my opinion, Riza has also benefitted from not having an unfit and out of form Aaron Ramsey in his squad. He hasn't had to worry about finding a place for him in the side. Hopefully, Riza would be strong enough to leave Ramsey on the bench even if he was somewhere near fit, because the current midfield set-up looks a good deal more effective than any which has included Ramsey.

[Rjk]

In my opinion, Riza has also benefitted from not having an unfit and out of form Aaron Ramsey in his squad. He hasn't had to worry about finding a place for him in the side. Hopefully, Riza would be strong enough to leave Ramsey on the bench even if he was somewhere near fit, because the current midfield set-up looks a good deal more effective than any which has included Ramsey.

Yes thats a fair point, although Ramsey did look fine for Wales before his injury

[Rjk]

Ralls, Siopis and Wintle at no 10. What a combo....

I recall a few years ago someone suggesting we had a good record when McPhail and Ledley partnered each other in centre midfield and Whittingham started. That seemed quite lightweight to me but it was true that we won every game, albeit only a few, when this happened. We've always had it instilled in us that we have to have a midfield hard man, but I don't believe that is a necessity. Being able to pass the ball and be creative has more benefits.

I don't think any manager we've had since Dave jones would play such a midfield combo, with the possible exception of Riza

[FormerlyJohnnyBreadhead]

I think so far Riza has looked for consistency in his team selections, and that includes a relatively big money signing like Daland (who hasn't done anything wrong) unable to get in the side.

In that context, I don't see Ramsey walking straight back in the team and, in all fairness, I don't think he can expect to. I'd definitely feel a lot better seeing him and Ralls come on after an hour though, as opposed to Siopis and Rinomhota. And, of course, the nature of the Championship is such that you can't rely on two players being available for every match anyway.

In terms of Riza, I find it interesting that he was hired by the club in the first place. His mentality and philosophy is so explicitly antithetical to Bulut's, I wonder if the club just handed the job to whoever was available after Rowberry turned it down, or if it was a deliberate attempt to place a contradictory mouth in Bulut's ear.

Either way, at Cardiff and in the modern game in general, it's so refreshing to hear a manager talking about giving players freedom rather than focusing on rigid shapes and structures.

[Dorcus]

In my opinion, Riza has also benefitted from not having an unfit and out of form Aaron Ramsey in his squad. He hasn't had to worry about finding a place for him in the side. Hopefully, Riza would be strong enough to leave Ramsey on the bench even if he was somewhere near fit, because the current midfield set-up looks a good deal more effective than any which has included Ramsey.

Spot on

[Don Corleone]

Yes thats a fair point, although Ramsey did look fine for Wales before his injury

Ramsey played well for Wales against Turkey in a similar style to the one we’ve now adopted. He doesn’t start ahead of Robertson, Turnbull or Colwill right now but I see no reason , when fully fit, he can’t also thrive in this team like so many others currently are. Let’s not be too hasty to write him off yet, I would like to see how he performs in Riza’s new set up.

[Carl Dale's Mole]

Give the keys to Colwill, and he will drive you to the promised land

[Earnie's bench seat]

Spot on

Perhaps naively, I'd also like to think Ramsey's own ego is restrained enough now to recognise the next generation (Colwill) needs to be playing now ahead of him, and also recognising the contribution he (Colwill) has made to the team in his absence. Not only for Cardiff but for Wales as well I'd argue.

To me, Ramsey could fulfil a role as a pivot / deep lying midfielder next to Robertson who can push forward.

Watching the Plymouth game on Sky, the thing that stood out to me was the pace of Colwill, Tanner, Robinson and El Ghazi, and how quickly we could turn on a sixpence; indeed (albeit in my personal view) this lead to the third goal. We can't lose that to try and fit Ramsey in to that front 3 / 4.

Anyway...off to West Brom on Saturday and looking forward to it. Hope we give them a good go. Optimism restored.

[Michael Morris]

Extended Highlights:

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Joe Allen is a squad player at Swansea and if Rambo gets fit again then that's what I imagine he will now be here

Ralls is a dog and he's 31 now so again I would imagine he's probably going to be in a similar role

No shame in that , Ralls is still able to do a job for us if called on

And Siopis can also be relied upon but clearly isn't a game changer like Roberston

But the likes of him and ralls will be needed

It's only October

[North Cardiff Blue]

In my opinion, Riza has also benefitted from not having an unfit and out of form Aaron Ramsey in his squad. He hasn't had to worry about finding a place for him in the side. Hopefully, Riza would be strong enough to leave Ramsey on the bench even if he was somewhere near fit, because the current midfield set-up looks a good deal more effective than any which has included Ramsey.

It's difficult to know, all the creative midfielders look much better in this system, but it will be hard to shift Robertson and Colwill at the minute, but would be nice to come on at 60 minutes if he gets anywhere near his best.

Nice problem to have with him, Ralls and Siopis all keen to try and find a way back into the team, competing for places for the first time in ages.

[BlueArmy 86]

Ralls, Siopis and Wintle at no 10. What a combo....

I recall a few years ago someone suggesting we had a good record when McPhail and Ledley partnered each other in centre midfield and Whittingham started. That seemed quite lightweight to me but it was true that we won every game, albeit only a few, when this happened. We've always had it instilled in us that we have to have a midfield hard man, but I don't believe that is a necessity. Being able to pass the ball and be creative has more benefits.

This. I suggested on here a midfield of Robertson and Turnbull behind Colwill might work after the Bristol game and was told that’s too lightweight. I’d rather good footballers in there. I admit some games we will need a bit of steel in there but if we’re keeping the ball, let the footballers play.

[Rjk]

Turnbull was getting into positions to have a long shot quite regularly in that match - presumably as their defence were having to cover our other threats - if Ramsey comes in and they can engineer the same kinds of shooting opportunities for him I think he could be very effective.

Ralls isn't too shabby at a long shot either to be honest.

[BlueArmy 86]

Turnbull had a great scoring record at Celtic, I’m expecting one to fly in soon

[Rjk]

Didn't notice at the time, but robinson's reactions for the second goal were insanely quick.
He's reacted before anyone else, and arrive at the goal line at the same time as the ball from Goutas' header

[splott parker]

A fit (ish) Ramsey would have steadied my nerves last night, coming on instead of Siopis or Rinomhota. If he does get himself fit it’s a perfect role for him, coming on to either keep the momentum or to steady the ship.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

A fit (ish) Ramsey would have steadied my nerves last night, coming on instead of Siopis or Rinomhota. If he does get himself fit it’s a perfect role for him, coming on to either keep the momentum or to steady the ship.

He doesn't play deep enough for that role imo although I am sure he could adapt

I think him being given 30 minutes up front with his age and injury is too much to expect

Strolling around barking orders and organising from in front of the defence may be a good shout though ?

[jon1959]

He doesn't play deep enough for that role imo although I am sure he could adapt

I think him being given 30 minutes up front with his age and injury is too much to expect

Strolling around barking orders and organising from in front of the defence may be a good shout though ?

A few months ago I think many fans were looking at Ramsey, Colwill, Turnbull and Robinson as all competing for the No10 shirt (Robinson maybe a No9.5). Now we have got Colwill, Robinson and Turnbull all on the pitch together and in their 'right' positions - all playing well and complementing each other (and El Ghazi, Tanner and Robertson).

If or when Ramsey is fit I can see him slotting in as a No6 - more a creative midfield general or 'quarterback' than a shield for the defence - and maybe even playing in the same side as Robinson, Colwill and Turnbull. But someone would have to be injured or lose form badly for him to get a start.

It's a nice problem for Riza to have.... if Ramsey gets back fit.

[Dave Blue]

If anyone else has already said this I apologise, but it now seems pretty clear that the players quit on Bulut.

Bulut had a fleet of vans and asked everyone to walk everywhere. It’s hardly surprising they were half hearted but I put much of that down to the game plan.

[Michael Morris]

Didn't notice at the time, but robinson's reactions for the second goal were insanely quick.
He's reacted before anyone else, and arrive at the goal line at the same time as the ball from Goutas' header

[goats]

Ramsey played well for Wales against Turkey in a similar style to the one we’ve now adopted. He doesn’t start ahead of Robertson, Turnbull or Colwill right now but I see no reason , when fully fit, he can’t also thrive in this team like so many others currently are. Let’s not be too hasty to write him off yet, I would like to see how he performs in Riza’s new set up.

A good sub to bring on 60/70 mins….he might not even injure himself in that short time hey

[goats]

One thing is for sure, playing as we are should attract more fans to come and watch….