" Russell Slade slams Ole Gunnar Solskjaer "

Cardiff City boss Russell Slade slams predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for 'lack of thought' that went into Bluebirds squad

Thursday Nov 20, 2014

By Steve Tucker

The Bluebirds boss claims the club have "collected" too many players, as he seeks to offload some of the stars from his bumper 38-man Championship squad.


Russell Slade has openly criticised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Cardiff City manager Russell Slade has launched a withering pop at predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer by criticising the state of the squad he has inherited in the Welsh capital.

Slade has accused Solskjaer of lacking thought and planning when assembling his bumper group and of making the squad unwieldy by basically ‘collecting’ players on the way.

There has been an upturn in results under the new manager, particularly at home where Slade has a 100 per cent record so far.

Slade will be looking to keep that run going when Reading visit Cardiff in the Championship.

But Slade has explained how his efforts to improve things have been hampered by the size and complexion of the group of players he has inherited from Solskjaer, who left the club in September.

The new Bluebirds boss claims that he has too many players, with 38 professionals on the books, and insists not enough thought was put in to bringing the right sort of individuals to the club.


“There’s not been enough thought gone into the squad here,” said Slade in his pre-match Press conference.

“When you build any football team you are looking at building partnerships. There are not enough partnerships and not enough thought put into the players who have been brought to this club. Absolutely not.

“There’s huge potential here, but there are problems. There have been issues we have needed to solve and things we are working on.

“I see it like an iceberg in that you see the tip of the iceberg where we are making a little bit of progress even on the pitch, but there’s a lot of work beneath the water that is going on that people don’t see.

“We are working very hard to make sure we are building on a solid foundation. We are putting down a platform because if you don’t have that the moment things go pear-shaped everything collapses. And you can’t have that in football.

“You need to build from the bottom. I believe that is very important.”

Slade said one of his biggest tasks is to trim the amount of players at the club, with him seeking to move out a clutch of players when the transfer window opens in the new year.

Striker Javi Guerra, midfielder Guido Burgstaller and defender Juan Cala are out of favour under Slade, who has already confirmed he will be looking to get rid of Magnus Wolf Eikrem.

Eikrem’s gifted Norwegian teenage compatriot, Mats Daehli, is also unsettled since his mentor Solskjaer departed.

Slade wants to stamp his own identity on the Cardiff squad by bringing in some of his own players, but insists his hands will be tied unless others exit the club in January.

“Every manager likes to put his stamp on things and would like to bring one or two players in,” said Slade.

“The big problem we’ve got is we’ve collected players here. We’ve got 38 and I think January is going to be a very busy window for us.

“We need to unload one or two of our players. It’s in their interest as well, they are professional athletes and they need to be playing.

“I’ve had meetings with the various representatives and if the opportunity comes for one or two of them to leave then we try to need to make that happen. I can’t please the whole squad.

“That has to happen and if it does that will hopefully give me a little bit more flexibility to bring one or two players in.”

I think Russell Slade should concentrate on doing his job as manager today and not criticise so early on a previous manager, proof your worth first Slade

Fans yes can criticise as were just fans, a manager is suppose to be professional

Cardiff City boss Russell Slade slams predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for 'lack of thought' that went into Bluebirds squad

Thursday Nov 20, 2014

By Steve Tucker

The Bluebirds boss claims the club have "collected" too many players, as he seeks to offload some of the stars from his bumper 38-man Championship squad.


Russell Slade has openly criticised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Cardiff City manager Russell Slade has launched a withering pop at predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer by criticising the state of the squad he has inherited in the Welsh capital.

Slade has accused Solskjaer of lacking thought and planning when assembling his bumper group and of making the squad unwieldy by basically ‘collecting’ players on the way.

There has been an upturn in results under the new manager, particularly at home where Slade has a 100 per cent record so far.

Slade will be looking to keep that run going when Reading visit Cardiff in the Championship.

But Slade has explained how his efforts to improve things have been hampered by the size and complexion of the group of players he has inherited from Solskjaer, who left the club in September.

The new Bluebirds boss claims that he has too many players, with 38 professionals on the books, and insists not enough thought was put in to bringing the right sort of individuals to the club.


“There’s not been enough thought gone into the squad here,” said Slade in his pre-match Press conference.

“When you build any football team you are looking at building partnerships. There are not enough partnerships and not enough thought put into the players who have been brought to this club. Absolutely not.

“There’s huge potential here, but there are problems. There have been issues we have needed to solve and things we are working on.

“I see it like an iceberg in that you see the tip of the iceberg where we are making a little bit of progress even on the pitch, but there’s a lot of work beneath the water that is going on that people don’t see.

“We are working very hard to make sure we are building on a solid foundation. We are putting down a platform because if you don’t have that the moment things go pear-shaped everything collapses. And you can’t have that in football.

“You need to build from the bottom. I believe that is very important.”

Slade said one of his biggest tasks is to trim the amount of players at the club, with him seeking to move out a clutch of players when the transfer window opens in the new year.

Striker Javi Guerra, midfielder Guido Burgstaller and defender Juan Cala are out of favour under Slade, who has already confirmed he will be looking to get rid of Magnus Wolf Eikrem.

Eikrem’s gifted Norwegian teenage compatriot, Mats Daehli, is also unsettled since his mentor Solskjaer departed.

Slade wants to stamp his own identity on the Cardiff squad by bringing in some of his own players, but insists his hands will be tied unless others exit the club in January.

“Every manager likes to put his stamp on things and would like to bring one or two players in,” said Slade.

“The big problem we’ve got is we’ve collected players here. We’ve got 38 and I think January is going to be a very busy window for us.

“We need to unload one or two of our players. It’s in their interest as well, they are professional athletes and they need to be playing.

“I’ve had meetings with the various representatives and if the opportunity comes for one or two of them to leave then we try to need to make that happen. I can’t please the whole squad.

“That has to happen and if it does that will hopefully give me a little bit more flexibility to bring one or two players in.”

Reminds me of the film 'This is Spinal Tap' when the group's lead singer said "they were still booing the support band as we got on stage"

Dangerous words but I guess it keeps him in the job to sort out the mess .

Says about shipping out 1 or 2 , suggest 12 need to go to bring in some quality that we need

Very convenient since Ole is prevented from legal clauses to answer.. YET..

I agree that the squad is far too big however I do not think that RS is in a position to come in and criticise the previous manager only being in charge for a short period himself. I think that it is unprofessional & goes some way to deflect attention from himself.

Having sorted his favourites perhaps he should look at himself & some of the talented players that are being wasted. There is no doubt that there are quite a few players that need to move on for their benefit & the clubs benefit but on the other hand there is some quality that is being ignored. These players would be snapped up by many of the other Pemiership/Championship clubs.

I think Russell Slade should concentrate on doing his job as manager today and not criticise so early on a previous manager, proof your worth first Slade

Fans yes can criticise as were just fans, a manager is suppose to be professional

But this is so obvious. Why should slade be at blame for the squad not working together as a team, he has not had chance to change any of it yet.

It was like Ole thought he was on football manager or something when he made his signings this season.

You can say what you want on Oles ability. But truth be told, we have a fantastic squad and depth. We have talent for the precent and future. If Slade cant work with that, it no fault but his own. He have never seen players like this, and he probably wont ever again

Last edited by Scandinavianbluebird on Thu Nov 20, 2014 2:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Best thing is for him to say FCK all then you lot can use that as an excuse to beat him with! Because any excuse and you lot are all over him like a rash since hes been here! damned if he does damned if he doesn't, thats the motto for this board!

PS at least he's being honest! Something that lots on here acuse him of not being when he speaks.
Can have all the talented players in the world but if they are not in all correct positions its waste of talent.

Last edited by pembroke allan on Thu Nov 20, 2014 2:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Very convenient since Ole is prevented from legal clauses to answer.. YET..

Ole is gagged, so Slade spouts his mouth off,Slade should just prove himself first,never mind previous managers.
I am let down by Slade on this,I was hoping he would just get on with the job at hand.

Best thing is for him to say FCK all then you lot can use that as an excuse to beat him with! Because any excuse and you lot are all over him like a rash since hes been here! damned if he does damned if he doesn't, thats the motto for this board!

PS at least he's being honest! Something that lots on here acuse him of not being when he speaks.
Can have all the talented players in the world but if they are not in all correct positions its waste of talent.

Allan,be fair he needs to prove himself first,everyone is ready to give him a chance

I think Russell Slade should concentrate on doing his job as manager today and not criticise so early on a previous manager, proof your worth first Slade

Fans yes can criticise as were just fans, a manager is suppose to be professional

But this is so obvious. Why should slade be at blame for the squad not working together as a team, he has not had chance to change any of it yet.

It was like Ole thought he was on football manager or something when he made his signings this season.

The squad is to big, I agree,but def plenty of quality there,plenty

This is disappointing. RS has made a good start in my opinion but maybe this is a case of a bad workman blaming his tools.

I've said all along that the squad needs pruning. Anyone can see that, but to say there are no partnerships is silly. That's his job to engender team spirit and cooperation. Why only one or 2 sales? Surely around double figures would be an aim especially if he wants to replace with "compatible" players.

I hope he isn't paving the way for a losing streak and blaming OGS for it. Out of order!

He has far more quality at Cardiff than he had at Orient. Work with what we have.

Best thing is for him to say FCK all then you lot can use that as an excuse to beat him with! Because any excuse and you lot are all over him like a rash since hes been here! damned if he does damned if he doesn't, thats the motto for this board!

PS at least he's being honest! Something that lots on here acuse him of not being when he speaks.
Can have all the talented players in the world but if they are not in all correct positions its waste of talent.

Allan,be fair he needs to prove himself first,everyone is ready to give him a chance

Yes but take a look on here Annis attacked at every opportunity by certain posters! It's his job to speak to press, and hes been criticised for every thing he as said good or bad! And personally he's not doing a bad job considering tan is picking the players! (According to this board)

I guess if Slade had changed his name to Malky before making this statement everything would have been fine. The bottom line is many on this forum didn't want him, and whatever he says will be criticised.

I guess if Slade had changed his name to Malky before making this statement everything would have been fine. The bottom line is many on this forum didn't want him, and whatever he says will be criticised.

Very true

He is inadvertently slamming tan,dalman and everyone. Does he realise that?

Tan: "Next summer I'm sure we will do better transfers because I will be personally involved. We're not going to let our manager run wild."

Dalman: "Going forward, take the transfer policy, it will actually be impossible for any one person to make a transfer without the committee (Choo, Ole, Dalman and a representative of Tan) signing off on it."

Best thing is for him to say FCK all then you lot can use that as an excuse to beat him with! Because any excuse and you lot are all over him like a rash since hes been here! damned if he does damned if he doesn't, thats the motto for this board!

PS at least he's being honest! Something that lots on here acuse him of not being when he speaks.
Can have all the talented players in the world but if they are not in all correct positions its waste of talent.

Allan,be fair he needs to prove himself first,everyone is ready to give him a chance

Yes but take a look on here Annis attacked at every opportunity by certain posters! It's his job to speak to press, and hes been criticised for every thing he as said good or bad! And personally he's not doing a bad job considering tan is picking the players! (According to this board)

I do agree Allan but would rather he kept his cards close to his chest. It could depress the value of players if they know we are desperate to sell. Also buying could be more expensive. He has done a good job. Let that speak for itself. No need to blame OGS. It cheapens his achievements in my eyes which is a pity.

I defo want him to have a good chance to embed his ethos and tweak personnel to his liking.

I'm still right behind him though.

Don't think he is slamming Ole....

He has a different belief system than Ole. I am not sure Ole knew what he wanted to do in the championship. He was fine in the premier in terms of knowing what he was trying to do. He didn't believe in partnerships, but in rotation.

Are we set up for 4231 no, we don't have the two holding midfileders, but are we really set up for 442 ? The jury is out on Whitts Gunner in the middle. We don't have too many wide midfielders, our best striker in an out and out target man who hasn't had a partner since the first band aid first single. Bellers wasn't a 442 player. IMO he was best is a 433 or a 4231- I only mention this because certain players excel in certain formations

Slade is right - We are a collective of mixed ideas.

Best thing is for him to say FCK all then you lot can use that as an excuse to beat him with! Because any excuse and you lot are all over him like a rash since hes been here! damned if he does damned if he doesn't, thats the motto for this board!

PS at least he's being honest! Something that lots on here acuse him of not being when he speaks.
Can have all the talented players in the world but if they are not in all correct positions its waste of talent.

Allan,be fair he needs to prove himself first,everyone is ready to give him a chance

Yes but take a look on here Annis attacked at every opportunity by certain posters! It's his job to speak to press, and hes been criticised for every thing he as said good or bad! And personally he's not doing a bad job considering tan is picking the players! (According to this board)

I don't agree, he is leaving himself open to criticism with some of his comments. Especially because he can't stop talking about certain players. Matts for instance is very young and has been placed in a very difficult position by this manager with all his excuses about why he won't play him.
There is no protection of a teenager that May or may not be struggling with adapting to a new regime, league, formation or whatever it is that is going on.
I think it's unbecoming of a 50 something manager. He should know better.
Flip the coin and it would be a feather in his cap if he got someone like matts really playing and he goes on to have a great career. Wenger based his entire reputation on this. It's a wasted opportunity tbh.
Same is true for Declan, he is like 5th choice under slade. I have gotten to the point where I think they both have to leave the club to develop. Which is think is a really sad state of affairs.

Dangerous words but I guess it keeps him in the job to sort out the mess .

Says about shipping out 1 or 2 , suggest 12 need to go to bring in some quality that we need

I think the 1 or 2 is just a figure of speech & the 12 or so players more of a reality if they can be moved.

I guess if Slade had changed his name to Malky before making this statement everything would have been fine. The bottom line is many on this forum didn't want him, and whatever he says will be criticised.

The bottom line is and the truth is, No one even thought about Slade as manager and no one wanted him when his name was mentioned, thats the bottom line. But we will always give him a chance, every manager should be given a chance but as fans we are allowed our opinions are we not? Surely that is what a forum is?

Best thing is for him to say FCK all then you lot can use that as an excuse to beat him with! Because any excuse and you lot are all over him like a rash since hes been here! damned if he does damned if he doesn't, thats the motto for this board!

PS at least he's being honest! Something that lots on here acuse him of not being when he speaks.
Can have all the talented players in the world but if they are not in all correct positions its waste of talent.

Allan,be fair he needs to prove himself first,everyone is ready to give him a chance

Yes but take a look on here Annis attacked at every opportunity by certain posters! It's his job to speak to press, and hes been criticised for every thing he as said good or bad! And personally he's not doing a bad job considering tan is picking the players! (According to this board)

I do agree Allan but would rather he kept his cards close to his chest. It could depress the value of players if they know we are desperate to sell. Also buying could be more expensive. He has done a good job. Let that speak for itself. No need to blame OGS. It cheapens his achievements in my eyes which is a pity.

I defo want him to have a good chance to embed his ethos and tweak personnel to his liking.

I'm still right behind him though.

Correct, Slade should keep this close to his chest and lets be honest he has not achieved anything yet, so nows not the time to slate your previous manager.

I guess if Slade had changed his name to Malky before making this statement everything would have been fine. The bottom line is many on this forum didn't want him, and whatever he says will be criticised.

Very true

Allan,Not true at all, many many on this forum are not for Malky and thats what is good about different opinions

I guess if Slade had changed his name to Malky before making this statement everything would have been fine. The bottom line is many on this forum didn't want him, and whatever he says will be criticised.

The bottom line is and the truth is, No one even thought about Slade as manager and no one wanted him when his name was mentioned, thats the bottom line. But we will always give him a chance, every manager should be given a chance but as fans we are allowed our opinions are we not? Surely that is what a forum is?

Whatever manager comes in should be supported. Malky would not have been my preferred choice at the time and likewise with RS however I will support him. However I think like the Scott Young scenario it is very unprofessional to hang you dirty washing out in the media. Guerra got slated by Young & now RS is having a pop at Ole. He should just get on and do his job and not try to deflect attention. Young & RS seem to be a marriage in heaven!

Me thinks Russell feeling the pressure a little bit, Not used to this sort of exposure on him and the team at other teams he has managed and its getting to him.

I think Russell Slade should concentrate on doing his job as manager today and not criticise so early on a previous manager, proof your worth first Slade

Fans yes can criticise as were just fans, a manager is suppose to be professional

f**k me!

I'm losing faith in this idiot by the day. Why is it that everyone says we've got the best squad ever assembled in the Championship. I know we haven't hit the heights yet but "getting players playing together" isn't that HIS job.

He just seems to be covering all his basis by getting his excuses in first before things start going really wrong.

Any other Manager would give his high teeth to have inherited the potential of this group.

Man Manager my arse.....

If we lose on Friday he's going to look a right pillock.

I guess if Slade had changed his name to Malky before making this statement everything would have been fine. The bottom line is many on this forum didn't want him, and whatever he says will be criticised.

The bottom line is Russell Slade was a pretty underwhelming choice as manager when there were higher profile candidates available. Unless the guy can perform miracles he has been on a hiding to nothing from day one

He didn't mention ole at all he only said "lack of thought" nothing wrong with that.

Slades spot on, tan wanted to bring in someone who would be better at recruitment than malky and ended up with this mess ole created, not only did ole break up key areas and leaders, he thought the numbers game and tinkering would hide his clueless tactical knowledge!! Only thing I will say about slade he now needs to back this article up in January with on field results