Sat July 19th 2014
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/foot ... ar-7458180?
Declan John is enjoying life playing under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Merthyr Tydfil-born teen loves Cardiff City’s attacking style and believes he will become a better player under Solskjaer.
The former Manchester United star has the task of taking Cardiff City back to the top flight this season and he’ll take on that challenge in a completely different style to his predecessor Malky Mackay.
“Malky was a more defensive type of manager, hard working,” said John, speaking during City’s week-long tour to Austria.
“For the gaffer (Solskjaer) it’s about what you do with the ball, which I think suits me as a player.
“Technically I’m pretty good. There was certainly a difference when the managers changed last season and it was a challenge going from one way of playing to another, in mid-season, but everybody knows exactly what is expected for the new season.
“The boys enjoy the way the gaffer wants to play. Personally, I have taken a liking to him and he has taken a liking to me.
“At the same time I have to prove myself every day, in training and matches, just like every player in the squad. We all have to show how much we want to be in the squad for our first Championship match against Blackburn next month.”
John is the only Welshman in the 28-strong squad Solskjaer has taken to Austria, a home grown full-back in a group which features 13 different nationalities plus Danish fitness coach Rene Skovdahl.
“It feels a little weird being the only Welshman, but there it’s also good to be a homegrown player in the squad,” he said.
“There are quite a few different nationalities, but it’s a close group. The new lads, who have come in over the last few weeks, have gelled into the group really well.”
The heat in Austria has soared past the 30 degrees in Walchsee, where the Bluebirds are based this week and John is loving it.
“I don’t mind the hot weather at all,” he said.
“I’m used to the poor weather back home in Wales and it’s great to be working hard in the sun.
“The facilities in Austria are first class and the hotel is exceptional. It’s great to relax on our room balcony after training and look at the views.”
The squad are staying at the Seehof and Seeresidenz Hotel, Walchsee in the Austrian state of Tyrol.