' NEIL WARNOCK: "STRONG WORDS WERE SAID"

Neil Warnock reveals how half-time rollicking inspired Cardiff City's Carabao Cup comeback win over Portsmouth

Cardiff City 2 Pompey 1


Attendance: 6,592 (incl 851 Pompey fans)


Neil Warnock revealed a half-time rollicking ensured his Cardiff City side came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Portsmouth in the opening round of the Carabao Cup.

The Yorkshireman made eight changes to the team that started in the 1-0 win over Burton at the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday, and saw his side fall behind just minutes before the break as captain Sean Morrison turned into his own net.

And Warnock admits he had some strong words to say in the dressing room at half-time.

"You could say that," said the Cardiff manager when asked if he was harsh with his players at the break.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing of Cardiff City celebrates with Danny Ward and Lee Tomlin after scoring goal
"I thought we started off alright then I thought we were really sloppy and we had to say a few words at half time.

"I thought second half and extra time were were superb fitness wise, missed some great chances to finish the game but carried on and got the result.

"Kenny (Jackett) said we deserved the win and I thought the attitude was good."

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing was introduced at the break, replacing Anthony Pilkington, and the winger made an instant impact as he smashed home from close range just three minutes after the restart to level prodeecings.

After spurning numerous opportunities, Greg Halford lashed home his first goal for the Bluebirds against his former club deep into extra-time to send Cardiff into the second round of the competition.

And the Cardiff boss admitted after the match that he is desperate for the Bluebirds to be drawn against a Premier League side in the next round.

"We just have to keep going and hopefully we'll get a good draw," added Warnock.

"I don't get too excited about this cup. It would be nice (to draw a Premier League side)."

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

Pilkington is one that needs to be moved on along with Noone, hopefully getting them two off the wage bill would allow us to bring in a loan.

Pilkington is one that needs to be moved on along with Noone, hopefully getting them two off the wage bill would allow us to bring in a loan.

Luke, Yes I agree with you, both not good enough and consistent enough to challenge for promotion.

City would save about £200,000 a month if we could get rid

Sat Aug 5 Burton Albion 0 Cardiff City 1 Crowd 5,050 Away(1,755 )

Tues Aug 8th Cardiff City 2 Portsmouth 1 Cup 1st rd Crowd 6,592 Away( 851 )

Sat Aug 12 Cardiff City v Aston Villa Crowd Away( )

Tue Aug 15 Cardiff City v Sheffield United Crowd Away( )

Sat Aug 19 Wolverhampton Wanderers v Cardiff City Crowd Away( )

Sat Aug 26 Cardiff City v Queens Park Rangers Crowd Away( )

Pilkington is one that needs to be moved on along with Noone, hopefully getting them two off the wage bill would allow us to bring in a loan.

Warnock and his staff have managed to improve virtually every player in our squad...however, Pilks is a shadow of the player he was 18 months ago when I thought he was one of if not our best player under Slade.

He doesn't even seem able to do the basics anymore...no idea what has happened to him

Neil Warnock had to have words with his side at half time after Sean Morrison's o.g. saw the home side a goal down.

Whatever was said made the difference as City came level to take the game to extra time before getting a winning goal from Greg Halford.

"I thought we started the game well but then we were sloppy until half-time," said Warnock.

"We had to say a few words at half-time, you could say it was a bit harsh.

"But in the second half, and in extra-time, I thought we were super.

"I was pleased with us fitness-wise and we created some good chances.

"Our attitude was good and we changed a few things.

"We pushed Tommo (Lee Tomlin) a bit further central in the second half and it worked well," said Warnock.

"It's been another good session, Tommo got more time as did one or two of the others.

"We persevered and I was delighted really."

Pompey boss Kenny Jackett acknowledged his side were beaten by the better team

‘I felt we gave Cardiff some problems.

‘We played good football at times, particularly early in the game in the first half. There were some good moves, better than Saturday, which I was pleased with.

‘In the end they kept at it and kept at it, got on top of us, we blocked and battled and defended our own box very, very well.

‘There were a couple of great saves by the goalkeeper (Luke McGee) and in the end they just had a little bit too much for us, particularly from the bench with the widemen coming on.

‘We just couldn’t quite hold out. I felt we showed fantastic character and attitude and when we needed to hang in and defend we did that as well.

‘There are times you need to do that and try to aspire to more. But in the end Cardiff had a bit too much.’

Is it just me or since Warnock has been here we always seem to play better in the second half.

I think he needs to give his half time team talk at the beginning of the match

That first half, all be it a weakened side to what we played Saturday was pathetic and embarrassing.. let a team that just come up from league one play around us like Barcelona.. we couldn't contain that Bennett who I think could walk into the team judging the one that played for us yesterday.. outstanding he was.

Fairplay to Warnock I was critical of him in the first half and rightfully so because we continued to hoof it to Ward and I was sat in Grandstand and heard Warnock shout 'Lump it long' to Manga who had a good 15 yards of space around him with no pressure.. 26 minutes into the game where we tried it all game.

Downfall for Warnock was playing someone who really is not 100% in it to play for him in Stuart O'Keefe.. now we are a bit short in that position he is coming out saying we need him? I really hope they resolve their relationship whatever is going on.

Credit to Warnock because it worked in the second half and extra time but he can't hide behind that first half nor the players.