EIKREM - " I CAN'T WAIT TO GET STARTED "

Wednesday 08th Jan 2014.

New Cardiff City signing Magnus Wolff Eikrem can’t wait to play competitive football for the Bluebirds, having finalised his move to the Barclays Premier League club today.

Speaking to Cardiff City Player after the move, he said, “I’m very happy to have joined the club now, it looks like a nice place. It rains a lot, but I’m used to that!! I’ve met everyone here and they look like a great bunch of players.

“I can’t wait to get started. I’ve got a big chance now. It’s a massive step from The Eredivisie, but I think I can get us playing and as said, I can’t wait to get started.

“It’s up to me to show that I’m good enough and to get into the team. But I know I’ll have to work hard as there are a lot of good players here. I’m sure I’ll adapt and that the manager will put his things in place, which I will adapt to as well.”

Magnus also praised the man who brought him to South Wales, having seen first-hand the success that can come working under Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

“He did so well with Mode, getting us to win the title for the first time in one hundred years,” Magnus said. “Then he did it all again, also winning the Cup. He’s been influential to me and I hope that we can continue that here.”

Wednesday 08th Jan 2014.

New Cardiff City signing Magnus Wolff Eikrem can’t wait to play competitive football for the Bluebirds, having finalised his move to the Barclays Premier League club today.

Speaking to Cardiff City Player after the move, he said, “I’m very happy to have joined the club now, it looks like a nice place. It rains a lot, but I’m used to that!! I’ve met everyone here and they look like a great bunch of players.

“I can’t wait to get started. I’ve got a big chance now. It’s a massive step from The Eredivisie, but I think I can get us playing and as said, I can’t wait to get started.

“It’s up to me to show that I’m good enough and to get into the team. But I know I’ll have to work hard as there are a lot of good players here. I’m sure I’ll adapt and that the manager will put his things in place, which I will adapt to as well.”

Magnus also praised the man who brought him to South Wales, having seen first-hand the success that can come working under Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

“He did so well with Mode, getting us to win the title for the first time in one hundred years,” Magnus said. “Then he did it all again, also winning the Cup. He’s been influential to me and I hope that we can continue that here.”

Whoopee!!! Bye bye Whittingham. We got a chance of staying up now!

Shamefully, my first thoughts was that Whitts can now be dropped!

Now, I'm thinking more of Whitts now having competition for a starting spot.

Reading the above article, it doesn't look like they be played together unless Ole looks to play a 4-3-3, with Medal as an anchorman, allowing Whitts and Eikrem to pull the strings in the middle and track back to cover.

Yup looks like Whitters is a squad player now. Good luck to the lad, must have something about him if Ole has signed him up. Anyone know the fee??

Will be a good kick up the arse for Whitts now that he's got competition and not guaranteed a starting XI spot

Kick up the arse for Whitts and all that.. laughable.

Malky ruined Whittingham, Whittingham worked hard and he was doing things on the pitch which isn't what his style and ability is about.

Whitts got praised for spreading the ball, playing a good cross, set piece and goals. He never got stuck in but every supporter knew what he brought in Midfield. People suddenly have forgotten.

I hope Ole keeps him and realises what his qualities are and use him to his best.

Kick up the arse for Whitts and all that.. laughable.

Malky ruined Whittingham, Whittingham worked hard and he was doing things on the pitch which isn't what his style and ability is about.

Whitts got praised for spreading the ball, playing a good cross, set piece and goals. He never got stuck in but every supporter knew what he brought in Midfield. People suddenly have forgotten.

I hope Ole keeps him and realises what his qualities are and use him to his best.

I think you'll find Dave Jones played Whittingham in the middle of midfield before Malky came in. Malky has played Whittingham no differently to Jones and Malky has even played Whittingham wide on the left numerous times this season, the same position where he scored all those goals for us that one season. Blaming Malky for Whittingham's "dip" in form is laughable.

Whittingham was incredible for the first few months of last season, I didn't see you or anyone else blaming Malky for the way he was being played then! Whittingham has been poor for the past few months in both centre midfield and on the left. It wasn't Malky's fault, it's Whittingham's fault!

Kick up the arse for Whitts and all that.. laughable.

Malky ruined Whittingham, Whittingham worked hard and he was doing things on the pitch which isn't what his style and ability is about.

Whitts got praised for spreading the ball, playing a good cross, set piece and goals. He never got stuck in but every supporter knew what he brought in Midfield. People suddenly have forgotten.

I hope Ole keeps him and realises what his qualities are and use him to his best.

I think you'll find Dave Jones played Whittingham in the middle of midfield before Malky came in. Malky has played Whittingham no differently to Jones and Malky has even played Whittingham wide on the left numerous times this season, the same position where he scored all those goals for us that one season. Blaming Malky for Whittingham's "dip" in form is laughable.

Whittingham was incredible for the first few months of last season, I didn't see you or anyone else blaming Malky for the way he was being played then! Whittingham has been poor for the past few months in both centre midfield and on the left. It wasn't Malky's fault, it's Whittingham's fault!

Malky plays players in the right position on times but he doesn't give them the freedom, Campbell wasn't given freedom to go up towards the last man because Malky ordered him back every minute.

Malky has played Whittingham has CDM plenty of times. He has played him out wide and played him at CDM with Medel for one or two games.

Whittingham along with players at this club wasn't given freedom to do what they do best.

You are deluded if you think Malky has ruined a few of our players.

Whittingham has been made to get stuck into tackles and track back 24/7, try and man mark players out of the game which is what a CDM does.

Kick up the arse for Whitts and all that.. laughable.

Malky ruined Whittingham, Whittingham worked hard and he was doing things on the pitch which isn't what his style and ability is about.

Whitts got praised for spreading the ball, playing a good cross, set piece and goals. He never got stuck in but every supporter knew what he brought in Midfield. People suddenly have forgotten.

I hope Ole keeps him and realises what his qualities are and use him to his best.

I think you'll find Dave Jones played Whittingham in the middle of midfield before Malky came in. Malky has played Whittingham no differently to Jones and Malky has even played Whittingham wide on the left numerous times this season, the same position where he scored all those goals for us that one season. Blaming Malky for Whittingham's "dip" in form is laughable.

Whittingham was incredible for the first few months of last season, I didn't see you or anyone else blaming Malky for the way he was being played then! Whittingham has been poor for the past few months in both centre midfield and on the left. It wasn't Malky's fault, it's Whittingham's fault!

Malky plays players in the right position on times but he doesn't give them the freedom, Campbell wasn't given freedom to go up towards the last man because Malky ordered him back every minute.

Malky has played Whittingham has CDM plenty of times. He has played him out wide and played him at CDM with Medel for one or two games.

Whittingham along with players at this club wasn't given freedom to do what they do best.

You are deluded if you think Malky has ruined a few of our players.

Whittingham has been made to get stuck into tackles and track back 24/7, try and man mark players out of the game which is what a CDM does.

Your last sentence sums it up. If Whittingham isn't capable of tackling and tracking runners, then he isn't Premiership standard. All centre midfielders need to have defensive qualities to their game at Premiership level.

Also, when we are in possession, Whittingham has never been played as a CDM. Yes, when our keeper/defenders had possession last season, Whittingham dropped back deep to collect the ball and distribute. But when the opposition had possession, it was Gunnarsson or Mutch who were the ball winning centre midfielders. The majority of last season, Gunnarsson was running around like a blue arse fly to do both his own work and cover Whittingham. When Bellamy was up front, he also had to run himself into the ground to try and allow Whittingham to concentrate on his strengths. Obviously, Gunnarsson and Bellamy couldn't keep it going all season and this is the main reason we switched to 4-5-1 in my opinion.

Unfortunately at a higher level this season, Whittingham hasn't been able to get away with his lacklustre performances and his team mates aren't able to carry him when we don't have the ball. Even with Medel sitting, holding and distributing from deep, Whittingham has been unable to push further forwards and make any sort of impact in open play. His admirers will point to his assists from set piece deliveries, but that's the point - we are only able to score from set pieces with Whittingham in the team as we offer nothing in open play because the main player we should be relying on to create isn't delivering.

Set pieces aside, Whittingham isn't delivering in open play offensively or defensively. Time to give him a rest and see what Eikrem can do. Hopefully, Eikrem can get on the ball and deliver the increased tempo and fluidity that Whittingham isn't capable of.

Last edited by Tonteg Bluebird on Wed Jan 08, 2014 11:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Kick up the arse for Whitts and all that.. laughable.

Malky ruined Whittingham, Whittingham worked hard and he was doing things on the pitch which isn't what his style and ability is about.

Whitts got praised for spreading the ball, playing a good cross, set piece and goals. He never got stuck in but every supporter knew what he brought in Midfield. People suddenly have forgotten.

I hope Ole keeps him and realises what his qualities are and use him to his best.

I think you'll find Dave Jones played Whittingham in the middle of midfield before Malky came in. Malky has played Whittingham no differently to Jones and Malky has even played Whittingham wide on the left numerous times this season, the same position where he scored all those goals for us that one season. Blaming Malky for Whittingham's "dip" in form is laughable.
Dave Jones gave whitts far more freedom than MM did, Malky,rightly or wrongly played far more rigid systems and expected the creative players to chip in with the dog work, never suited whittingham, last year he was so deep at times it was impossible for him to play a killer ball.... im sure we havent seen the last of him........effort will never compensate for lack of quality..and i think this manager is all about quality.............

Looking forward to seeing Eikrem play on Saturday

He did well for our reserves a couple of years ago, good luck to him.

Looking forward to seeing Eikrem play on Saturday

im just looking foward to the game, i dont care who plays really,a win would be fantastic

Kick up the arse for Whitts and all that.. laughable.

Malky ruined Whittingham, Whittingham worked hard and he was doing things on the pitch which isn't what his style and ability is about.

Whitts got praised for spreading the ball, playing a good cross, set piece and goals. He never got stuck in but every supporter knew what he brought in Midfield. People suddenly have forgotten.

I hope Ole keeps him and realises what his qualities are and use him to his best.

I think you'll find Dave Jones played Whittingham in the middle of midfield before Malky came in. Malky has played Whittingham no differently to Jones and Malky has even played Whittingham wide on the left numerous times this season, the same position where he scored all those goals for us that one season. Blaming Malky for Whittingham's "dip" in form is laughable.

Whittingham was incredible for the first few months of last season, I didn't see you or anyone else blaming Malky for the way he was being played then! Whittingham has been poor for the past few months in both centre midfield and on the left. It wasn't Malky's fault, it's Whittingham's fault!

Malky plays players in the right position on times but he doesn't give them the freedom, Campbell wasn't given freedom to go up towards the last man because Malky ordered him back every minute.

Malky has played Whittingham has CDM plenty of times. He has played him out wide and played him at CDM with Medel for one or two games.

Whittingham along with players at this club wasn't given freedom to do what they do best.

You are deluded if you think Malky has ruined a few of our players.

Whittingham has been made to get stuck into tackles and track back 24/7, try and man mark players out of the game which is what a CDM does.

Your last sentence sums it up. If Whittingham isn't capable of tackling and tracking runners, then he isn't Premiership standard. All centre midfielders need to have defensive qualities to their game at Premiership level.

Also, when we are in possession, Whittingham has never been played as a CDM. Yes, when our keeper/defenders had possession last season, Whittingham dropped back deep to collect the ball and distribute. But when the opposition had possession, it was Gunnarsson or Mutch who were the ball winning centre midfielders. The majority of last season, Gunnarsson was running around like a blue arse fly to do both his own work and cover Whittingham. When Bellamy was up front, he also had to run himself into the ground to try and allow Whittingham to concentrate on his strengths. Obviously, Gunnarsson and Bellamy couldn't keep it going all season and this is the main reason we switched to 4-5-1 in my opinion.

Unfortunately at a higher level this season, Whittingham hasn't been able to get away with his lacklustre performances and his team mates aren't able to carry him when we don't have the ball. Even with Medel sitting, holding and distributing from deep, Whittingham has been unable to push further forwards and make any sort of impact in open play. His admirers will point to his assists from set piece deliveries, but that's the point - we are only able to score from set pieces with Whittingham in the team as we offer nothing in open play because the main player we should be relying on to create isn't delivering.

Set pieces aside, Whittingham isn't delivering in open play offensively or defensively. Time to give him a rest and see what Eikrem can do. Hopefully, Eikrem can get on the ball and deliver the increased tempo and fluidity that Whittingham isn't capable of.

Last sentence? Come off it, all our fans praised him for years when he didn't get stuck in and track runners, everyone worshiped him when he was a lazy kind of player but made up for it by producing quality throughout the game.

Whittingham has never been played at CDM? I am sure you attend games but don't pay much attention. He has been played CDM hundreds time under Malky.

He didn't drop back deep to pick up the ball and then pass it on, clueless. He was made to play CDM under Malky.

Whittingham has never been a hard working player yet gets plenty of plaudits so why slate him? He is not that type of player. Just like Ozil isn't for Arsenal yet is dubbed World Class.

Whittingham isn't creating because Malky doesn't play positive and attacking Football FFS.

You are really failing to grasp a lot of things.

Kick up the arse for Whitts and all that.. laughable.

Malky ruined Whittingham, Whittingham worked hard and he was doing things on the pitch which isn't what his style and ability is about.

Whitts got praised for spreading the ball, playing a good cross, set piece and goals. He never got stuck in but every supporter knew what he brought in Midfield. People suddenly have forgotten.

I hope Ole keeps him and realises what his qualities are and use him to his best.

I think you'll find Dave Jones played Whittingham in the middle of midfield before Malky came in. Malky has played Whittingham no differently to Jones and Malky has even played Whittingham wide on the left numerous times this season, the same position where he scored all those goals for us that one season. Blaming Malky for Whittingham's "dip" in form is laughable.

Whittingham was incredible for the first few months of last season, I didn't see you or anyone else blaming Malky for the way he was being played then! Whittingham has been poor for the past few months in both centre midfield and on the left. It wasn't Malky's fault, it's Whittingham's fault!

Malky plays players in the right position on times but he doesn't give them the freedom, Campbell wasn't given freedom to go up towards the last man because Malky ordered him back every minute.

Malky has played Whittingham has CDM plenty of times. He has played him out wide and played him at CDM with Medel for one or two games.

Whittingham along with players at this club wasn't given freedom to do what they do best.

You are deluded if you think Malky has ruined a few of our players.

Whittingham has been made to get stuck into tackles and track back 24/7, try and man mark players out of the game which is what a CDM does.

Your last sentence sums it up. If Whittingham isn't capable of tackling and tracking runners, then he isn't Premiership standard. All centre midfielders need to have defensive qualities to their game at Premiership level.

Also, when we are in possession, Whittingham has never been played as a CDM. Yes, when our keeper/defenders had possession last season, Whittingham dropped back deep to collect the ball and distribute. But when the opposition had possession, it was Gunnarsson or Mutch who were the ball winning centre midfielders. The majority of last season, Gunnarsson was running around like a blue arse fly to do both his own work and cover Whittingham. When Bellamy was up front, he also had to run himself into the ground to try and allow Whittingham to concentrate on his strengths. Obviously, Gunnarsson and Bellamy couldn't keep it going all season and this is the main reason we switched to 4-5-1 in my opinion.

Unfortunately at a higher level this season, Whittingham hasn't been able to get away with his lacklustre performances and his team mates aren't able to carry him when we don't have the ball. Even with Medel sitting, holding and distributing from deep, Whittingham has been unable to push further forwards and make any sort of impact in open play. His admirers will point to his assists from set piece deliveries, but that's the point - we are only able to score from set pieces with Whittingham in the team as we offer nothing in open play because the main player we should be relying on to create isn't delivering.

Set pieces aside, Whittingham isn't delivering in open play offensively or defensively. Time to give him a rest and see what Eikrem can do. Hopefully, Eikrem can get on the ball and deliver the increased tempo and fluidity that Whittingham isn't capable of.

Last sentence? Come off it, all our fans praised him for years when he didn't get stuck in and track runners, everyone worshiped him when he was a lazy kind of player but made up for it by producing quality throughout the game.

Whittingham has never been played at CDM? I am sure you attend games but don't pay much attention. He has been played CDM hundreds time under Malky.

He didn't drop back deep to pick up the ball and then pass it on, clueless. He was made to play CDM under Malky.

Whittingham has never been a hard working player yet gets plenty of plaudits so why slate him? He is not that type of player. Just like Ozil isn't for Arsenal yet is dubbed World Class.

Whittingham isn't creating because Malky doesn't play positive and attacking Football FFS.

You are really failing to grasp a lot of things.

I think it's you who's failing to grasp a lot of things. Until we signed Medel, we have never really played with a holding midfielder since Olofinjana. Whittingham dropped deep to receive the ball to start attacks and distribute last season, this was to get him on the ball as much as possible. As I said, Gunnarsson and Mutch did the defensive work last season, but unfortunately, Whittingham struggled to do what he does best for the majority of last season and that is the fault of Peter Whittingham, nobody else.

Whittingham will never be a ball winner, but he is also failing to deliver in open play in both centre midfield and on the left wing this season. There is no excuses for Whittingham not being able to push further forward when playing either in the centre with Medel sitting behind him, or on the left, where he previously scored all those goals that one season. Whittingham simply doesn't have the engine or mobility to burst forwards into dangerous positions at Premiership level.

No it was the fault of MM because he played him CDM why can't you accept that?

Clutching at straws.

I would like to see him play Centre midfield and deliver but he hasn't played there because MM played him LM and CDM, just accept that.

He has the ability but MM didn't play him in the right position.

No it was the fault of MM because he played him CDM why can't you accept that?

Clutching at straws.

I would like to see him play Centre midfield and deliver but he hasn't played there because MM played him LM and CDM, just accept that.

He has the ability but MM didn't play him in the right position.

So you're saying Whittingham has been our CDM when being played in the middle this season, not Medel? I give up!

Been a few times where he has and he has been played on the left midfield for most of the games, literally clutching at straws you are.

Kick up the arse for Whitts and all that.. laughable.

Malky ruined Whittingham, Whittingham worked hard and he was doing things on the pitch which isn't what his style and ability is about.

Whitts got praised for spreading the ball, playing a good cross, set piece and goals. He never got stuck in but every supporter knew what he brought in Midfield. People suddenly have forgotten.

I hope Ole keeps him and realises what his qualities are and use him to his best.

I think you'll find Dave Jones played Whittingham in the middle of midfield before Malky came in. Malky has played Whittingham no differently to Jones and Malky has even played Whittingham wide on the left numerous times this season, the same position where he scored all those goals for us that one season. Blaming Malky for Whittingham's "dip" in form is laughable.

Whittingham was incredible for the first few months of last season, I didn't see you or anyone else blaming Malky for the way he was being played then! Whittingham has been poor for the past few months in both centre midfield and on the left. It wasn't Malky's fault, it's Whittingham's fault!

Malky plays players in the right position on times but he doesn't give them the freedom, Campbell wasn't given freedom to go up towards the last man because Malky ordered him back every minute.

Malky has played Whittingham has CDM plenty of times. He has played him out wide and played him at CDM with Medel for one or two games.

Whittingham along with players at this club wasn't given freedom to do what they do best.

You are deluded if you think Malky has ruined a few of our players.

Whittingham has been made to get stuck into tackles and track back 24/7, try and man mark players out of the game which is what a CDM does.

Your last sentence sums it up. If Whittingham isn't capable of tackling and tracking runners, then he isn't Premiership standard. All centre midfielders need to have defensive qualities to their game at Premiership level.

Also, when we are in possession, Whittingham has never been played as a CDM. Yes, when our keeper/defenders had possession last season, Whittingham dropped back deep to collect the ball and distribute. But when the opposition had possession, it was Gunnarsson or Mutch who were the ball winning centre midfielders. The majority of last season, Gunnarsson was running around like a blue arse fly to do both his own work and cover Whittingham. When Bellamy was up front, he also had to run himself into the ground to try and allow Whittingham to concentrate on his strengths. Obviously, Gunnarsson and Bellamy couldn't keep it going all season and this is the main reason we switched to 4-5-1 in my opinion.

Unfortunately at a higher level this season, Whittingham hasn't been able to get away with his lacklustre performances and his team mates aren't able to carry him when we don't have the ball. Even with Medel sitting, holding and distributing from deep, Whittingham has been unable to push further forwards and make any sort of impact in open play. His admirers will point to his assists from set piece deliveries, but that's the point - we are only able to score from set pieces with Whittingham in the team as we offer nothing in open play because the main player we should be relying on to create isn't delivering.

Set pieces aside, Whittingham isn't delivering in open play offensively or defensively. Time to give him a rest and see what Eikrem can do. Hopefully, Eikrem can get on the ball and deliver the increased tempo and fluidity that Whittingham isn't capable of.

Brilliant analysis Tonteg! In all fairness to the guy we may just be asking too much of him. He was a fairly decent Championship player but way off Premier quality as Villa found out years ago.

I'm hoping Eikrem will now prove our new saviour and will have the pace, skill and tenacity to prove effective at this level. In my opinion Kim and Mutch are also going to be key players for the rest of the season and I hope Ole's attacking style will get even more out of them