‘We need to add a few more middle men, or I’ll be playing there!’
AS Cardiff City’s pursuit of central midfielders continues, one of their star defenders has outlined why he’s so keen for Neil Warnock to bag a transfer or two before the August 9 deadline.
Sol Bamba says the Bluebirds need “one or two” more in midfield – otherwise he may have to step forward and play there.
The Ivorian, speaking as Cardiff struggle to nail down a loan deal for Liverpool’s Marko Grujic , was speaking tongue-in-cheek but agreed with Warnock that the squad will be light without midfield reinforcements.
“It’s always good to have competition for places, that motivates the players,” he said. “When you’re comfortable and know you’re going to play week-in weekout, it’s not good. We definitely need a couple more.
“We need numbers because in terms of quality we’ve got it. But if we get one or two injuries or suspended, it’ll be a bit tight.”
On Grujic, who continues to be linked with Cardiff, Bamba was adamant that re-signing the 22-year-old would be a good move.
The Liverpool starlet helped Cardiff gain promotion during a 14-game spell in South Wales last season, impressing Bamba in the process.
“He’s a great lad and it will be good to have him back again, good to have his quality as well,” Bamba added.
“I think he’ll gel in the team because he was here last season and it’d be a great addition if the gaffer can pull that one off.”
Bamba made fleeting appearances higher up the pitch last term, notably dominating Leeds United during a memorable midfield display.
But he would rather Cardiff signed specialists such as Grujic.
“The gaffer said: ‘if we can’t (sign players), it’s no problem because I’m going to put you in midfield’ and I don’t want that!
“He knows if I have to, I’ll do it, but I’m desperate for him to bring one or two so I don’t have to do that.”
Bamba has played in the top divisions in France, Scotland, Turkey and Italy -- as well as the World Cup with Ivory Coast -- but is finally set for his Premier League bow 12 years after first arriving in the UK.
The 33-year-old is struggling to hide his excitement.
“I’ve been waiting 10 years to play in the Premier League so I can’t wait,” he added.
“I’m excited and everyone is. I’m a great believer that when you do things right you get your rewards, so we’re going to give everything we’ve got.
“All the top foreign players are coming to the Premier League. When I played for my national team, apart from the World Cup, we didn’t play top opposition really. In the Premier League even the weaker teams have very good players. It’ll be tough, but there’s no reason not to smile.
“We’re excited, to play in the top flight that’s what every player wants to do. We’re not far off, fitness-wise, and when the season starts we will be ready.
“We’re favourites to go down to be fair so we’ve got nothing to lose. So we’ll go there and play with freedom and see where it takes us.
“Hopefully we can add one or two more and make sure they gel with the team.”