Erol Bulut Insists Cardiff City’s Season Is Going To Plan Despite Sixth Defeat In 10 Games

Leicester City's James Justin (right) celebrates with team-mates after scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. Picture date: Friday December 29, 2023. (Photo by Bradley Collyer/PA Images via Getty Images)

Erol Bulut Insists Cardiff City’s Season Is Going To Plan Despite Sixth Defeat In 10 Games

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By Gareth James

Erol Bulut has insisted Cardiff City’s season is going to plan – despite a 2-0 home defeat to Leicester City that leaves the Bluebirds with a record of six defeats and only three wins in their last 10 matches.

Goals from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and James Justin eased Championship leaders Leicester to a 20th league victory in 25 matches in a dominant display.

Bulut admitted there was a gulf between the teams – the Foxes also twice hit the post – but even though they have slipped to 14th in the table, five points adrift of the play-offs, he insisted the campaign is going to plan.

“I always said we wanted to be around the play-offs,” said Bulut, who fears he may also have lost striker Karlan Grant to a long-term hamstring injury.

“We have a lot of games to push. And also in January, I hope for a few transfers to push for more.”

“Today I can speak only positive things about my team. We made many positive things in the game, the pressing section, winning the ball, the details change football.

“One example, first half, when we concede the first goal, pressure on us, we lose the ball and they score. Second half, we had nearly the same situation, but the final pass was not good enough. These are the small details that makes the result of the game.

“We have to continue to work on it. I think we are in a positive way. A good way.

“We cannot compare ourselves with Leicester City. Now it looks like we are 14th, five points away from the play-offs. Three games before we were six points away, before this game we were two points away.

“We knew from the start, from when we played at Leicester, they were strong and we lost in the last minute.

“They invest in their team because they were relegated and want to get promotion. They still have the quality from the Premier League.

“But I will not cry. I try to make the best for Cardiff City, for the club. My players tried to give everything and play a good game.

“The quality of the opponent was higher than ours. We couldn’t manage to score. The details decide whether you win or lose.”

Bulut confirmed he has met with Cardiff owner Vincent Tan and is optimistic he will be given funds to improve his squad in the January transfer window.

“A few players, when we get them, they will push our players to a higher level.

“When you get quality players, your team-mates wake up and push to a higher level. This gives me positive things for 2024.

“I hope we can get it soon so we can increase our level. When we see what we’ve made from June until today, you can see the progress a little bit.”

The Foxes rarely had to move out of second gear in a one-sided encounter that illustrated the gulf between the top of the Championship and those struggling to cling on to the coat-tails of the play-off challengers.

Dewsbury-Hall and Justin scored for the visitors – one before and one after the break – before they hit the post twice last on.

Cardiff’s efforts were few and far between and they remain detached from the top six as their promising start to the season fades.

Dewsbury-Hall had already forced Cardiff goalkeeper Jak Alnwick into a fine save before the Leicester midfielder gave his team the lead after 18 minutes..

Joe Ralls was caught in possession and Dewsbury-Hall expertly punished the error with a low shot.

Justin’s goal just before hour mark was the highlight – a magnificent curling effort from 25 yards.

Leicester manager Enzo Maresca said: “I am very happy for one reason, that in this moment with this amount of game, the effort from the players has been unbelievable.

“To play two games in a row away from home is very difficult, playing every three days.

“I think the club has to be happy. Me as a manager I am very happy and I am very proud. The fans need to be proud of these players – they are and showing the desire to win even in this period.

“To finish the year with more than 60 points. I don’t think anybody expected this, me included. Now we need to continue, but for sure we are happy.”

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