' BRUNO MANGA '
Thu Mar 12, 2015 2:55 pm
Thursday 12th March 2015
By Terry Phillips
' The Bruno Manga interview: Cardiff City's new cult hero talks about life at the Bluebirds for the first time '
The centre back has quickly become a favourite with the fans at the Cardiff City Stadium and he's opened up on adjusting to life the Championship
Having conquered the language barrier Bruno Manga has set his sights on a Championship hurdle he intends clearing at the heart of the Cardiff City defence.... taking the Bluebirds soaring back to the Premier League.
For those who didn’t know big Bruno’s dedication to the Cardiff cause can hear it straight from the horse’s mouth these days as a vast improvement in his spoken English sees Manga give his first interview since moving to South Wales from French club Lorient in September.
While Manga has shown commitment off the pitch improving his English it’s in the heat of matches that he’s really enjoying life with the Bluebirds.
He has found a big difference from the style of football in France, where he was spent four seasons playing for Lorient, and says: “There are a lot of physical duels in the Championship, far more than in the French League.
“It’s really physical, but that suits me. I enjoy the physicality, but it can be tough having two, three even four times more battles during a game than you do in France,” said Manga.
Manga, 26, has started in 20 matches for the Bluebirds, scoring two goals, and has been easily their best player in many of those thanks to his cool composure in the trickiest of situations, the power he has to win challenges and an ability in possession which is silky for a defender.
Manga has proved popular with Bluebirds fans and he says: “There was a lot of speculation surrounding my decision to pick Cardiff City over other clubs. But I was convinced by the fact that there was a project being put in place and this club have real ambitions.
“It was explained to me that the objective was to get back into the Premier League as soon as possible and that was my main motivation.
“There were a lot of clubs interested in me, but I came to Cardiff and I am happy here.
“Cardiff have spent a lot of money to try and get back to the Premier League.
“That’s a challenge, but it’s the reason why I came here and, if we can’t make it this time, we’ll be pushing again in 2015-16.
“Our position in the league table could be better, of course, but we will keep working towards improving.
“You have to believe until the very end. We’ve been left behind a little bit this season, but we will still go for it in every match.
“We won’t give up until the very last day of the season.
“We owe that to the Cardiff fans.”
Manga has committed to Cardiff until 2017 and is intent on helping the Bluebirds return to the top flight, having left France, where he was happy playing for Lorient, to take on a new challenge.
“My career took off after leaving Angers for Lorient,” he says.
“I met Christian Gourcuff, who was then their manager, and the current manager Sylvain Ripoli.
“I had four wonderful years at Lorient, but I wanted to experience something different and felt Cardiff was the right place for me.
“The Championship is physical, but also tactical.
“That means there are less goals.
“The referees are less friendly than in France, but that’s pretty much it.
“The Championship is a good level of football.”
Manga has proved a hit with City fans and he says: “I must thank them for that. Some call me ‘Manga’ or ‘Bruno Manga’, while for others it’s simply ‘Bruno’.
“I don’t mind any of those really.”
Manga was away playing for Gabon in the Africa Cup of Nations during January, but he’s been back for the last eight fixtures and has played a major role in helping Cardiff on a solid run of form, suffering only two defeats in that time.
He is also happy to be back in the City dressing room with his Bluebirds team-mates, saying: “The atmosphere is brilliant. There is always music playing, the boys are having a laugh and, in that way, it’s completely different to France.
“You feel more relaxed during the match.
“Personally, I believe my development as a player is being helped by playing for Cardiff City. We have 10 fixtures left and our aim is to earn as many points as possible.”
The next stage of that quest for Manga and Co starts this Saturday against Brentford at Griffin Park in West London.
By Terry Phillips
' The Bruno Manga interview: Cardiff City's new cult hero talks about life at the Bluebirds for the first time '
The centre back has quickly become a favourite with the fans at the Cardiff City Stadium and he's opened up on adjusting to life the Championship
Having conquered the language barrier Bruno Manga has set his sights on a Championship hurdle he intends clearing at the heart of the Cardiff City defence.... taking the Bluebirds soaring back to the Premier League.
For those who didn’t know big Bruno’s dedication to the Cardiff cause can hear it straight from the horse’s mouth these days as a vast improvement in his spoken English sees Manga give his first interview since moving to South Wales from French club Lorient in September.
While Manga has shown commitment off the pitch improving his English it’s in the heat of matches that he’s really enjoying life with the Bluebirds.
He has found a big difference from the style of football in France, where he was spent four seasons playing for Lorient, and says: “There are a lot of physical duels in the Championship, far more than in the French League.
“It’s really physical, but that suits me. I enjoy the physicality, but it can be tough having two, three even four times more battles during a game than you do in France,” said Manga.
Manga, 26, has started in 20 matches for the Bluebirds, scoring two goals, and has been easily their best player in many of those thanks to his cool composure in the trickiest of situations, the power he has to win challenges and an ability in possession which is silky for a defender.
Manga has proved popular with Bluebirds fans and he says: “There was a lot of speculation surrounding my decision to pick Cardiff City over other clubs. But I was convinced by the fact that there was a project being put in place and this club have real ambitions.
“It was explained to me that the objective was to get back into the Premier League as soon as possible and that was my main motivation.
“There were a lot of clubs interested in me, but I came to Cardiff and I am happy here.
“Cardiff have spent a lot of money to try and get back to the Premier League.
“That’s a challenge, but it’s the reason why I came here and, if we can’t make it this time, we’ll be pushing again in 2015-16.
“Our position in the league table could be better, of course, but we will keep working towards improving.
“You have to believe until the very end. We’ve been left behind a little bit this season, but we will still go for it in every match.
“We won’t give up until the very last day of the season.
“We owe that to the Cardiff fans.”
Manga has committed to Cardiff until 2017 and is intent on helping the Bluebirds return to the top flight, having left France, where he was happy playing for Lorient, to take on a new challenge.
“My career took off after leaving Angers for Lorient,” he says.
“I met Christian Gourcuff, who was then their manager, and the current manager Sylvain Ripoli.
“I had four wonderful years at Lorient, but I wanted to experience something different and felt Cardiff was the right place for me.
“The Championship is physical, but also tactical.
“That means there are less goals.
“The referees are less friendly than in France, but that’s pretty much it.
“The Championship is a good level of football.”
Manga has proved a hit with City fans and he says: “I must thank them for that. Some call me ‘Manga’ or ‘Bruno Manga’, while for others it’s simply ‘Bruno’.
“I don’t mind any of those really.”
Manga was away playing for Gabon in the Africa Cup of Nations during January, but he’s been back for the last eight fixtures and has played a major role in helping Cardiff on a solid run of form, suffering only two defeats in that time.
He is also happy to be back in the City dressing room with his Bluebirds team-mates, saying: “The atmosphere is brilliant. There is always music playing, the boys are having a laugh and, in that way, it’s completely different to France.
“You feel more relaxed during the match.
“Personally, I believe my development as a player is being helped by playing for Cardiff City. We have 10 fixtures left and our aim is to earn as many points as possible.”
The next stage of that quest for Manga and Co starts this Saturday against Brentford at Griffin Park in West London.
Re: ' BRUNO MANGA '
Thu Mar 12, 2015 3:19 pm
Bruno is a top top centre back, and we're very lucky to have him here. I can see specualtion surrounding him in the summer, but if we can hold onto him for just one more season, invest wisely and have a real go at promotion next year, I think he can be a huge catalyst behind our success.
If we fail to win promotion next year, we have to let him go for the good of his own career.... and a nice transfer fee
He's been my favourite player this season by far, solid, professional and gives 100%.
If we fail to win promotion next year, we have to let him go for the good of his own career.... and a nice transfer fee
He's been my favourite player this season by far, solid, professional and gives 100%.
Re: ' BRUNO MANGA '
Thu Mar 12, 2015 5:02 pm
JamesC wrote:Bruno is a top top centre back, and we're very lucky to have him here. I can see specualtion surrounding him in the summer, but if we can hold onto him for just one more season, invest wisely and have a real go at promotion next year, I think he can be a huge catalyst behind our success.
If we fail to win promotion next year, we have to let him go for the good of his own career.... and a nice transfer fee
He's been my favourite player this season by far, solid, professional and gives 100%.
Re: ' BRUNO MANGA '
Thu Mar 12, 2015 5:11 pm
If we are to be in anyway looking to go up or challenge next season then we def need him. If they sell him then forget it that will tell me all I need to know and I'm sure many others. With Marshall in goals, our spine is being formed, all we need is to sort out our spineless midfield and toothless attack now.... 
Re: ' BRUNO MANGA '
Thu Mar 12, 2015 6:47 pm
If we survive this season and next campaign shows we are serious about a push to the premier Bruno if he stays will become the captain.
Craig Noone gets the ball and his fancy work is going to result in a shot harmlessly to to keeper or well over the crossbar. Kenwyne Jones is lookin good to score because the cross is heading right for his head but if he does not connect that is it chance gone no way is he going to get that back and resurrect the situation. Bruno the attitude amongst the fans is totally different and not appreciated.
It is not appreciated because any attack coming his way get halted be in in the air or on the ground. If we can keep hold of this guy he will be our captain.
Craig Noone gets the ball and his fancy work is going to result in a shot harmlessly to to keeper or well over the crossbar. Kenwyne Jones is lookin good to score because the cross is heading right for his head but if he does not connect that is it chance gone no way is he going to get that back and resurrect the situation. Bruno the attitude amongst the fans is totally different and not appreciated.
It is not appreciated because any attack coming his way get halted be in in the air or on the ground. If we can keep hold of this guy he will be our captain.
Re: ' BRUNO MANGA '
Thu Mar 12, 2015 8:56 pm
LOrient ? Maybe Slade likes him because he thinks he was a Leyton Orient player?
Re: ' BRUNO MANGA '
Thu Mar 12, 2015 9:24 pm
Honestly would be suprised if there is no interest from any PL clubs in the summer with his performances, He's strong, composed and has aerial threat. If we can keep hold of him and invest in a few top quality players with a mixture of work horses we certainly have a chance of promotion, sadly we may need to look for a new gaffer as I don't believe Slade will get us there.
Re: ' BRUNO MANGA '
Fri Mar 13, 2015 6:13 pm
JamesC wrote:Bruno is a top top centre back, and we're very lucky to have him here. I can see specualtion surrounding him in the summer, but if we can hold onto him for just one more season, invest wisely and have a real go at promotion next year, I think he can be a huge catalyst behind our success.
If we fail to win promotion next year, we have to let him go for the good of his own career.... and a nice transfer fee
He's been my favourite player this season by far, solid, professional and gives 100%.