Bulut aims for old Swan-two
BLUEBIRDS BOSS OUT TO MAKE HISTORY
EROL BULUT is targeting a South Wales derby double over Swansea before extending his stay with Cardiff.
Bulut masterminded a 2-0 win over the Swans in September and will become the first-ever Cardiff manager to oversee a league double against their rivals should they beat Luke Williams’ side today.
It comes as the Turkish manager’s own future with the club remains uncertain as his contract expires in the summer.
But Bulut stressed he wants to remain with the Bluebirds beyond this season, adding that he is determined to etch his name into Cardiff folklore with a derby double.
“I would like to stay and build with this club and with the players,” said Bulut.
“I think when we look back at the start of the season to now, it is a big step and progression.
“Normally, we should continue with that. This is not up to me.
“The board have to think and make that decision. From my side it’s clear.”
For Bulut, who will become the first Cardiff manager to oversee two league derbies in the same season since Dave Jones during the 2010-11 campaign, the immediate focus lies on making history.
On the derby contest, he added: “I hope I can change it to be the first to have two wins against Swansea (in the same season). It won’t be easy. To talk is one thing. To do it is something else.
“It’s a derby and I know how important this is for our fans, the club and our players, for me, too.”
Cardiff go into the derby having won four successive matches.
Captain Joe Ralls added to the feel-good factor at the club this week by signing a new deal with the Bluebirds until at least 2025.
And central midfielder Ralls believes Bulut has played a pivotal role in transforming the Welsh club’s fortunes since joining as boss last summer.
“I’m around it every day, I can see what we have got as a squad,” said Ralls.
“The way the club is going, it’s going in a really good direction.
“I know how good this club can be when things are going well.
“I think there’s been massive progress this season, the team spirit, the manager.
“There’s been ups and downs, but I think, all in all, when you look over the last couple of years, where we are as a squad, the connection with the fanbase between the manager and players, I think we’re in a really good position.”