THIS ONE IS FOR YOU, SOL
Harris tells his men to be inspired by Bamba
NEIL HARRIS wants Cardiff to deliver a fighting display for Sol Bamba after the toughest week of his career.
Boss Harris and the Bluebirds squad were rocked on Monday when they heard that defender Bamba – 36 two days later – has been diagnosed with NonHodgkin lymphoma and is undergoing chemotherapy.
Cardiff host Championship leaders Norwich today with Harris (right) admitting his team go into the match full of emotion after hearing Bamba’s bombshell.
He said: “This week has been my toughest in football, certainly as a manager purely because of the mental side of things and making sure the players and Sol are OK.
“He’s a great guy and I’ve spoken about his personality, presence, and humility.
“Off the pitch it has been tough but the lads have responded in the manner I would expect.
“They are caring. There were some upsetting scenes when they found out on Monday – and a few of the lads were hit quite hard by it.
“But they’ve seen Sol and spoken to him and know he is dealing with it and fighting it.
“He wants people to be strong, wants our support and wants people to take charge of things on the pitch, which will cheer him up off it. Sol wants to be on the pitch, but he can’t. He’s been given nothing during his life and career and he’s had to fight for everything. “He’s fighting again now. “That is the sort of performance we need to put in this weekend.”
Bamba had featured in five Championship games this season until mid-December and Cardiff had won the lot. Norwich lead the table by four points and manager Daniel Farke wants three fresh faces to fire up their promotion charge.
The Canaries are on course for an immediate return to the top flight.
But Farke is keen to add to his squad this month to strengthen his defence with PAOK Salonika left-back
Dimitris Giannoulis a major target. He said: “We have been open, honest and transparent about our situation.
“We want if possible to sign a keeper, a left-back and perhaps a centre-back.
“January is not an easy market. If we find a good option that fits, then great. If not, we go with our squad.”
Farke believes the his side will benefit from having successfully negotiated a promotion campaign two years ago.
He said: “Experience is very important. As coaching staff, we know what it’s like to win a trophy and we have players who have won as well.”
Farke’s plans have been hit by coronavirus with Bali Mumba and Xavi Quintilla the latest players to return positive tests – along with five members of the Norwich backroom staff.