Bulut admits he’s surprised Wales didn’t call on Ramsey for final clash against Poland

CARDIFF City boss Erol Bulut admits he was surprised Aaron Ramsey wasn’t involved for Wales in their recent Euro 2024 play-off campaign and has questioned why the midfielder wasn’t brought on to take a penalty against Poland.

Wales were denied a spot at this summer’s European Championships after falling short in an agonising shootout defeat at Cardiff City Stadium, which unfolded after a tense goalless 120 minutes of football.

Ramsey, as he was for the play-off semifinal win over Finland on Thursday, was left on the bench for the final, despite his muchhyped inclusion in Rob Page’s squad.

The decision to call up the midfielder seemed to ruffle the feathers of Bulut, who demanded better communication between the club and the FAW at the time.

The midfielder, who made his return from injury off the bench in the defeat to Swansea City in the South Wales derby, is unlikely to start the clash with Sunderland today, but Bulut admits he was surprised to not see him involved over the international break.

“Maybe he will not start but for 30 minutes or 45 minutes he will be available,” he said when asked on Ramsey’s fitness.

“Last game we also used him for 30 minutes. I was expecting him to play the last game against Poland, at least 15 minutes, maybe for the penalties.

“Every manager thinks differently and we have to respect the decision of the manager.”

Bulut, who revealed he met with Ramsey shortly after the game, also suggested Ramsey might well have had something to offer during that wretched penalty shootout.

“I don’t know if that’s a positive or negative for Cardiff,” he said.

“I think for 15 or 20 minutes, or for penalties, Aaron is a key point. He’s a quality player, good with penalties. At least maybe you could use him for penalties.

“But every manager thinks differently and Page was thinking of something else.

“Of course it’s not easy. I met with Aaron directly after he game. Of course his morale was not good.

“It’s normal when you lose a game, especially if it means missing Euro 2024. Aaron wanted to be there because it was maybe his last Euros.

“Of course it’s disappointing. I watched the game. It was a good game. Tactical game. Penalties, one will miss for sure, so it was bad that (Daniel) James missed a penalty.”

The defeat has already forced Wales boss Page to bat away questions about his position, while Ramsey too has come under scrutiny, amid suggestions he’s considering walking away from international football.

Bulut insists he’s not privy to any decision from Ramsey at this stage, but admits international retirement would likely be a boost for the Bluebirds.

“About this we didn’t talk,” Bulut added. “After a game you don’t speak about these kind of things. I just saw he was disappointed.

“He was expecting to get 15 or 20 minutes in extra time. Poland were pushing and Wales could have kept the ball better with him. That’s my opinion - we have to accept the Wales manager. Only one missed penalty.

“Maybe he thinks about that. Ramsey is 33 and he has to see his injury history. If I was manager for next season, I’d like to have him only for my team.

“He can be with the national team to give morale and confidence as the experienced player. Aaron will decide what he wants with the national team.

“Healthy Aaron would be great could have him all season.” if you