The Cardiff manager says he intends to be managing the club in the Premier League a year from now despite the off-field problems that have engulfed the club recently.
Malky Mackay has made it clear he expects to be Cardiff City manager in the long-term – and is planning ahead in the quest to keep the Bluebirds at Premier League level.
The manager's comments will be a huge boost to Bluebirds fans who have been left reeling by a series of off-field events and revelations surrounding the club and Mackay's relationship with owner Vincent Tan in recent weeks.
“We are all working to ensure Cardiff City is again playing top level football next season,” said Mackay during his pre-match Aston Villa press conference.
“I want to be talking to the media in a year's time as Cardiff City manager in the Premier League.
“We relish being in the Premier League in terms of players and fans. Our aim is to be the best we can be and finish as high as we can.
“I am proud to be manager here. We have worked hard as a staff for two and a half years to take our beliefs forward, mould our squad to the point we have reached now.
“We will keep moving forward and make sure everything we do is for the best of Cardiff City. I will always do my best and that will never change.”
Mackay was asked about his mood going into the Swansea City match after nationwide publicity surrounding the departure of Iain Moody, Cardiff's former head of recruitment, and the appointment of Alisher Apsalyamov as acting replacement.
“My mood going into the game was focused on the team, my team always comes first,” says Mackay.
“Those players and what we are trying to do. They are the important factors.
“Being in this division again next season – that's what counts.
“Everything else is put to one side. There is pressure every week to win matches and we are in a huge media spotlight every week.
“That's the pressure. Anything else makes no odds.
“We want to be competitive and finish as high up the League table as we can to make sure we are there again next season. I am delighted how the group have settled into life at Premier League level.
“This is a tough, uncompromising League. At any minute the individual quality of a player can undo you.”
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