No prima donnas
Cardiff must work as a team, says manager Warnock
KUALA LUMPUR: Cardiff manager Neil Warnock will not tolerate any prima donnas in the team as they look forward to playing in the English Premier League.
“Everyone comes in and work together. There should be no prima donna unlike some big teams where you can feel it in the dressing room. The feeling of togetherness when you need it, I think that’s the quality we have,” said the 69-year-old, when asked on his plans on the signing of new players to boost the team’s campaign in the top flight.
Cardiff, owned by Malaysian tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan, were last promoted in 2013. The Welsh side secured automatic promotion for next season alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Fulham joining them via the play-offs.
“I am looking for players who can fit and not dissect what we already got. There should be no bad apples in the team because we need to be in it together,” he said.
On whether he is also looking into Asian players, Warnock replied: “I spoke to South Koreans and Iranians.
“If they are the right type, I wouldn’t say no.” Warnock said his side will ruffle a few feathers in the Premier League next season.
Warnock spent comparatively little on his squad to secure a record eighth promotion but is optimistic his team can compete in the top flight.
“I know how difficult it will be. I’m really proud to have built a team capable of ruffling a few feathers when I look at the teams below us in the division, with their budgets.
“I am someone who likes to defy the odds. When I took over that time, we were heading for rock bottom but look where we are now.
“We will try to get five to six players who can integrate physically and mentally.
“Big clubs can spend money on five to six players but that doesn’t mean all sing from the same hymn sheet,” said Warnock, who took over Cardiff in October 2016. At that time, Cardiff were second from bottom of the Championship.
After steering them to safety last season, the former Sheffield United and Queens Park Rangers manager masterminded the promotion move.