By Gareth James
Neil Harris said it was time for change at Cardiff City – but will it be him?
The Bluebirds boss had insisted before the game that he did not fear for his job.
But after another defeat against lowly Coventry the pressure is mounting on the City boss.
And Harris reacted by saying he is now considering changes to his line-up for Saturday.
“The level of performance was not good enough and the goal sums us up, masters of our own downfall giving the ball away cheaply, the goal was a shambles really and sums us up,” said Harris.
Dalman said he wanted top 6 by christmas,we got no chance of that,i wouldn't give harris another game,advertise job worldwide+then pick the best manager,if we got to pay then do it,never understand clubs willing to pay 20/30 thousand a week on players but want manager on cheap
— bluebirdsgossip (@bluebirdsgossip) November 25, 2020
“I was quite aggressive in what I said to the players and showed my disappointment. We’ve got a talented group of players who need to show they want to play for the club more, in my opinion.
“It has been a disappointing start to the season… you can hear from my tone of voice my disappointment, we don’t the points we want and need to improve quickly.
“We look forward to Saturday and the opportunity to improve and turn things around.
“Possibly I need to look at changes now. I’ve been loyal to players and rightly so…. but I’ve got to look at team selection now and think if some players have shown enough on the pitch to show they deserve to play.
“We all want better as a club, me included.”
City have now won just once in eight games and have managed just three victories in their opening 13 Championship games.
The defeat saw them slip to 18th in the table on 14 points.
Another bad night for Cardiff City. Before the game Neil Harris said he didn’t fear for his job, but the knives are out now. Will he still be there on Saturday?
— Ian Hunt (@IanHunt77) November 25, 2020
Chairman Mehmet Dalam has said he expected City to be in the top six by January after giving the go-ahead for the arrival of Harry Wilson on loan from Liverpool.
But that looks an impossible task unless Harris can somehow turn around City’s fortunes – if he is given the chance.
It was another error that cost Harris’ side as Tyle Walker netted the winner for the Sky Blues on 55 minutes with a delicate chip after an error from Joe Ralls.
Coventry keeper Marko Marosi was never really tested as City lacked fluency and struggled to create any chances.
Harris’ side are now just five points above the drop zone – it would have been two points but for Sheffield Wednesday’s six point deduction.
But, despite the disappointing opening, there are just nine points to bridge the gap to the play-offs.
Harris insists the stats say City are a top-six side – he needs the players to start showing that. And fast.
“I understand the world we live in and the football industry. I am the manager, I take responsibility on behalf of the football club and on behalf of my changing room,” added Harris.
“I understand we have to take responsibility and be accountable for the results.
“What I will say is that I thoroughly enjoy my job and I always say it’s a privileged position. We always want to be better and that starts Saturday against Luton and then Huddersfield.”
