Warnock’s words have desired effect

NEIL Warnock revealed he gave his players a half-time rollicking with Cardiff City trailing Brentford 1-0 on Saturday.

The Bluebirds were lacklustre at times in a drab first half at Cardiff City Stadium, and Sergi Canos’ goal put the Bees’ ahead at the break.

Warnock admitted the first half display left him falling asleep and with no choice but to give his players a grilling in the dressing room.

Cardiff were much improved after the break with Sean Morrison heading home to equalise within two minutes of the restart, before Peter Whittingham’s strike secured the win.

“We had to change things in the second half, or I’d have fallen asleep if we hadn’t have done,” admitted Warnock.

“Brentford had more possession but I thought we created the better chances. It’s disappointing when you go a goal down but I was pleased with the turnaround.

“It’s very difficult to get myself up for games when I know we are safe. I need an edge on my games, as well.

“And second half we were a lot better, right out of the traps. We changed two or three things and were more positive and I think that gave us an extra 20 or 30 yards further forward.

“There were a lot of plusses in the second half but they shouldn’t need me to give them a roasting to get them on the front foot.”

Warnock got the reaction he wanted as the Bluebirds again came from behind the claim the three points, the sixth time they have done so this season.

The Bluebirds have claimed more wins from losing positions than any other side in the league, a habit Warnock puts down to the quality in his side.

He kept faith with the 11 players who started the game, not making any substitutions until the 88th minute when Whittingham was finally withdrawn to a standing ovation.

“That’s the Championship,” added.

“It’s disappointing when you go a goal down but if you’ve got a good team, nothing is impossible and I was pleased we didn’t conceded a late goal.”

Brentford manager Dean he Smith said: “I’m very frustrated because it’s a game that we were in total control of and could’ve scored a bit more in the first half.

“We scored a great goal and I expected us to go on and win two or three nil.

“The game had a pre-season feel to it, it was flat and there was no zip.”