CARDIFF CITY HAVE A BIG PROBLEM & LOOK VERY SLOPPY / IS

CARDIFF CITY HAVE A BIG PROBLEM & LOOK VERY SLOPPY / IS ADEN FLINT THE PROBLEM?


Cardiff City's Aden Flint conundrum as fans call for change with defensive crisis hitting crunch point


This is not a Cardiff City side chasing promotion, remember, this is a Cardiff City side wallowing in 16th and in need of major surgery.

The Bluebirds continue to look sloppy in defence and were again at Charlton,this is their big problem.

Neil Harris has said he does not need money, he is happy with this squad and everyone starts with a clean slate.


Sunday 24th November 2019

By Glen Williams.



A quick canvass of social media after Charlton's first goal against Cardiff City on Saturday saw the vitriol pour in once again for £6million summer signing Aden Flint.

Was the first goal Flint's fault? Absolutely not.

Soft defending from Curtis Nelson and Joe Bennett allowed Macauley Bonne to burst into the box to set up Conor Gallagher.

Was Flint at fault for the second goal? No, he was at the other end of the pitch, having gone up for an attacking set piece, before the hosts broke rapidly down the other end to score again.

Flint still got it in the neck for Cardiff's defending as a whole and the reaction was not solely down to the performance at The Valley, more a culmination of how disappointing he and his colleagues have been at the back all season.

Flint, however, is the one who finds himself in a difficult situation.

He was bought from Middlesbrough for a princely £6m in the summer, in effect replacing Bruno Manga, and he will surely admit he has not yet hit the heights.

After the first couple of games, the 6ft 5in defender looked to be an utter nuisance in the opposition box and was a colossus in the first home win against Luton, scoring the first of City's two goals.

There was certainly cause for optimism, but since then he appears to have become a lightning rod for many fans' anger towards the woeful defence and much of it is justified.


Cardiff haven't played well for most of the season and some fans feel the root cause has been the pairing of Flint with Sean Morrison at the back, each of whom have a severe lack of pace.

As a consequence, with Lee Peltier also not the quickest, Neil Warnock set his team up deeper and more defensively to try to compensate for the dearth of dynamism at the back.

It has had a knock-on effect in how City have attacked, too. With the defence having to sit deeper, the gap between the back four, the midfield and the strikers affords little scope to play anything other than long ball.

The number of times we have seen Aden Flint lump the ball up to Robert Glatzel or Callum Paterson to no avail this season, only for it to be swallowed up by opposition centre backs and passed for them to come back at Cardiff again, has been an indictment of that system.

Neil Harris, of course, wants to shake that up, and that can only be a positive thing. Elements of that could be seen at Charlton and it is a change that has been welcomed across the board by Bluebirds supporters.

Whether a 4-4-2 system is the answer, however, remains to be seen. On Saturday's evidence, Marlon Pack's own lack of pace was exposed a handful of times and City's defence, already feeling the heat, were left far too exposed.

But Harris wants to play more passing football and that, in turn, means the gap between the defence and midfield simply has to close up. If that does happen, it could mean Flint, who has been a mainstay so far this season, needs to be jettisoned.

It was somewhat understandable, if not frustrating for many, that Warnock continued to pick Flint. The former Bluebirds boss was willing to stick by a player he forked out so much for in the summer and dropping him would be admitting defeat.

Flint, however, almost became symptomatic of Warnock's regime towards the end. He didn't contribute goals at set pieces as much as initially thought and he was sometimes cumbersome and clumsy in and out of possession at the back.


Flint hasn't contributed in attack as much as many might have hoped.


But as Harris has said, this is a clean slate and no-one can rest on their laurels anymore.

It could well be that Curtis Nelson, who has been a bright light, showcased pace and a neatness of foot, becomes a mainstay of this Cardiff City backline under Harris.

Who partners him, however, appears to be splitting opinion.

In a question posed on our Twitter and Facebook accounts, supporters were torn.

But there were some common themes – the majority picked Nelson and you would be hard pressed to find many who selected Flint.

Naturally, every City fan longs to see Sol Bamba back fit and firing, but whether that will happen at 34 years of age remains to be seen. A pairing of Bamba and Nelson has the real basis of a ball-playing, pacy, powerful defensive pairing and is one that could excite at either end of the pitch.

Morrison, on the other hand, has been a great servant to the club and his leadership qualities on the pitch and in the dressing room are not to be underestimated.

The skipper's achievements at Cardiff have earned him the respect of the fans and as such many would like to see him given a chance alongside Nelson.

With Bamba still battling his way to full fitness, some feel it seems about the right time for Flint to step aside against Stoke on Tuesday night to allow Morrison and Nelson the opportunity to strike up a partnership.


Harris knows he must be careful with any tinkering. A new duo must be given time to gel, of course.

But with transition into a new system afoot, this is a crucial period and a key decision the manager has to get right quickly.

There is an underlying sense, however, that if he sticks with Flint he will risk even more ire from a Cardiff City fan base pleading for something to be done to shore up this chronically-leaky, lack-of-ball-playing defence.

While any manager should be afforded some early latitude, and at least a transfer window, to get the players and shape he wants, there is precious little time to waste for Harris if Cardiff are to start climbing up the table.

This is not a Cardiff City side chasing promotion, remember, this is a Cardiff City side wallowing in 16th and in need of major surgery.

It starts at the back.

Well if flint is a problem Morrison would be a bigger one? So would need major surgery at back to get it right!

Flint is definitely the problem. Middlesbrough has the same problems with him. I keep saying Flint is a liability and we he gets dragged out of position every game I’ve seen him play. He’s okay in the air, but that doesn’t warrant keeping him if he’s costing us goals, at the end of the day the person who disagrees will say he wasn’t at fault for the goals we conceded, maybe not, but he’s the reason we looked dodgy for about 15 of their attacks yesterday.

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Flint is definitely the problem. Middlesbrough has the same problems with him. I keep saying Flint is a liability and we he gets dragged out of position every game I’ve seen him play. He’s okay in the air, but that doesn’t warrant keeping him if he’s costing us goals, at the end of the day the person who disagrees will say he wasn’t at fault for the goals we conceded, maybe not, but he’s the reason we looked dodgy for about 15 of their attacks yesterday.

So he personally was reason for 15 dodgy bits of defending for 15 attacks? What was other 3 defenders plus midfield doing while these 15 attacks took place? Just curious as thought it was a team game ! And his dodgy defending didn't cost us goals as you say but it was others dodgy defending did that ? Strange to complain of his dodgy defending when he didn't cost us any goals!

His pass to Hoilett that was over hit led to the attack they scored from so could say he was at fault.

Flint is definitely the problem. Middlesbrough has the same problems with him. I keep saying Flint is a liability and we he gets dragged out of position every game I’ve seen him play. He’s okay in the air, but that doesn’t warrant keeping him if he’s costing us goals, at the end of the day the person who disagrees will say he wasn’t at fault for the goals we conceded, maybe not, but he’s the reason we looked dodgy for about 15 of their attacks yesterday.

about 15 of their attacks. and no doubt you can blame others for being responsible for the rest..

yes there were that many....it was a weak out of form Charlton ffs....shouldn't have got out of their own half...
sexy football b fckd.
was an absolutely fantastic exciting game to watch for a neutral with both sides looking like they could win it right until the end... ....trouble is im not neutral and praying its more together Tuesday.

Flint is definitely the problem. Middlesbrough has the same problems with him. I keep saying Flint is a liability and we he gets dragged out of position every game I’ve seen him play. He’s okay in the air, but that doesn’t warrant keeping him if he’s costing us goals, at the end of the day the person who disagrees will say he wasn’t at fault for the goals we conceded, maybe not, but he’s the reason we looked dodgy for about 15 of their attacks yesterday.

about 15 of their attacks. and no doubt you can blame others for being responsible for the rest..

yes there were that many....it was a weak out of form Charlton ffs....shouldn't have got out of their own half...
sexy football b fckd.
was an absolutely fantastic exciting game to watch for a neutral with both sides looking like they could win it right until the end... ....trouble is im not neutral and praying its more together Tuesday.

Out of form yes dog,but only missing 2 starters? Whilst not getting carried away,but to get 43% territory, 24 attempts,not bad to the usual stats of less than that at home a bit more time is needed to change the players mindset, not perfect, but to come from 2 down (to sucker punch goals)something to build on,as we were looking stale under Warnock this season.nice to see a bit of fight,pity Harris weren't here for the derby games onwards and upwards as they say.

We all have opinions, and I would be happy to never see Flint in a city shirt again.

He’s very slow, not very good in the air for a big lad, and can’t mark a bingo book. Get rid of him now please.

We all have opinions, and I would be happy to never see Flint in a city shirt again.

He’s very slow, not very good in the air for a big lad, and can’t mark a bingo book. Get rid of him now please.

Agree, been a very poor signing.

His pass to Hoilett that was over hit led to the attack they scored from so could say he was at fault.

Blame hoiletts control! but yes pass was a bit strong but in fairness poor control was the norm for city players Saturday and that's what caused most problems for us..

Flint is definitely the problem. Middlesbrough has the same problems with him. I keep saying Flint is a liability and we he gets dragged out of position every game I’ve seen him play. He’s okay in the air, but that doesn’t warrant keeping him if he’s costing us goals, at the end of the day the person who disagrees will say he wasn’t at fault for the goals we conceded, maybe not, but he’s the reason we looked dodgy for about 15 of their attacks yesterday.

about 15 of their attacks. and no doubt you can blame others for being responsible for the rest..

yes there were that many....it was a weak out of form Charlton ffs....shouldn't have got out of their own half...
sexy football b fckd.
was an absolutely fantastic exciting game to watch for a neutral with both sides looking like they could win it right until the end... ....trouble is im not neutral and praying its more together Tuesday.

Out of form yes dog,but only missing 2 starters? Whilst not getting carried away,but to get 43% territory, 24 attempts,not bad to the usual stats of less than that at home a bit more time is needed to change the players mindset, not perfect, but to come from 2 down (to sucker punch goals)something to build on,as we were looking stale under Warnock this season.nice to see a bit of fight,pity Harris weren't here for the derby games onwards and upwards as they say.

sorry but had we turned up and defended like that at Swansea it would have been a real hammering.

His pass to Hoilett that was over hit led to the attack they scored from so could say he was at fault.

Blame hoiletts control! but yes pass was a bit strong but in fairness poor control was the norm for city players Saturday and that's what caused most problems for us..

I thought that as well watching game. I am not sure if its because we have been playing long ball for so long but our short distance passing and first time control is terrible at times. A lot of passes that should have sent the city player on his way were poor so players had to adjust their movement or 3 or 4 touches needed to bring a ball under control. Hopefully improves as we play better passing football but this is basic stuff that kids do in training.

We all have opinions, and I would be happy to never see Flint in a city shirt again.

He’s very slow, not very good in the air for a big lad, and can’t mark a bingo book. Get rid of him now please.

The overall lack of pace in the team is the issue, not just Flint. His lack of pace is just highlighted because he is often left exposed in defence. Bacuna didnt track his man for the first goal and Pack's lack of pace cost us for second goal. If you get caught out pressing a team then you need pace in the team to get back. We don't have this at the moment which is why Charlton breezed through our midfield leaving or slow defence exposed so many times. Flint did well at Bristol because he had decent players around him to cover him. Just like Morrison has with Bamba covering him. I think Boro had the most clean sheets last season as well so Flint couldn't have had that bad a season.

I am not denying his pace has cost us goals this season but the blame cant just be put on him.

Flint is without a doubt a problem, for his height I think he could be more commanding. Can't pass, struggles to move.

I think it's between him and Morrison to start and I think Morrison is a far superior player in every aspect.

Flint is definitely the problem. Middlesbrough has the same problems with him. I keep saying Flint is a liability and we he gets dragged out of position every game I’ve seen him play. He’s okay in the air, but that doesn’t warrant keeping him if he’s costing us goals, at the end of the day the person who disagrees will say he wasn’t at fault for the goals we conceded, maybe not, but he’s the reason we looked dodgy for about 15 of their attacks yesterday.

Boro had the best defence in the league so cant see that true

His pass to Hoilett that was over hit led to the attack they scored from so could say he was at fault.

Blame hoiletts control! but yes pass was a bit strong but in fairness poor control was the norm for city players Saturday and that's what caused most problems for us..

I thought that as well watching game. I am not sure if its because we have been playing long ball for so long but our short distance passing and first time control is terrible at times. A lot of passes that should have sent the city player on his way were poor so players had to adjust their movement or 3 or 4 touches needed to bring a ball under control. Hopefully improves as we play better passing football but this is basic stuff that kids do in training.

Whilst it is basic stuff if you've been playing differently for 2yrs it will take a bit of adjustment, same as people saying about other aspects of team it will take bit of time but hopefully will come good under Harris

Bennet is the biggest problem, ball watches and gets dragged out of position all the time

His pass to Hoilett that was over hit led to the attack they scored from so could say he was at fault.

Blame hoiletts control! but yes pass was a bit strong but in fairness poor control was the norm for city players Saturday and that's what caused most problems for us..

I thought that as well watching game. I am not sure if its because we have been playing long ball for so long but our short distance passing and first time control is terrible at times. A lot of passes that should have sent the city player on his way were poor so players had to adjust their movement or 3 or 4 touches needed to bring a ball under control. Hopefully improves as we play better passing football but this is basic stuff that kids do in training.

Whilst it is basic stuff if you've been playing differently for 2yrs it will take a bit of adjustment, same as people saying about other aspects of team it will take bit of time but hopefully will come good under Harris

Yea exactly, hopefully see a big improvement in the next few games.

When both are back and fully fit, please can we just return to Morrison and Bamba at the back. It's a partnership we know works well!

If Bamba can recover I'd like to see him and Nelson given a go in Tandem.

I think our problem is more infront of the back four.

I think our problem is more infront of the back four.

I would say it's the whole team lacks pace, we attack as a team and defend as a team, and we've seen all season, we are most at risk of conceding a goal when we have a free kick into their box, teams that break quickly, have chances every week.

You could say our supposed biggest threat (although we haven't been that deadly from free kicks into the box this season) is our biggest weakness.

We might have to keep a few more back when we attack because we don't have the pace to get back when the attack breaks down, hopefully Harris will have an answer to this problem and the sloppy defending in general!

Last edited by Bluebina on Mon Nov 25, 2019 12:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I think our problem is more infront of the back four.

Partly right we are also lacking pace and protection there too, maybe that is where Bamba will play?

If Bamba can recover I'd like to see him and Nelson given a go in Tandem.

Nelson, Morrison with Bamba infront may make us harder to breakdown?

If Bamba can recover I'd like to see him and Nelson given a go in Tandem.

Nelson, Morrison with Bamba infront may make us harder to breakdown?

I'm guessing a bit here but I think the new gaffer wants the back four playing a higher line with the 2 m/f sat in front.

Bennet is the biggest problem, ball watches and gets dragged out of position all the time

I agree with this. Much of the counter attacking against our defence is when Bennett gets caught to far upfield.

Flint is definitely the problem. Middlesbrough has the same problems with him. I keep saying Flint is a liability and we he gets dragged out of position every game I’ve seen him play. He’s okay in the air, but that doesn’t warrant keeping him if he’s costing us goals, at the end of the day the person who disagrees will say he wasn’t at fault for the goals we conceded, maybe not, but he’s the reason we looked dodgy for about 15 of their attacks yesterday.

about 15 of their attacks. and no doubt you can blame others for being responsible for the rest..

yes there were that many....it was a weak out of form Charlton ffs....shouldn't have got out of their own half...
sexy football b fckd.
was an absolutely fantastic exciting game to watch for a neutral with both sides looking like they could win it right until the end... ....trouble is im not neutral and praying its more together Tuesday.

Out of form yes dog,but only missing 2 starters? Whilst not getting carried away,but to get 43% territory, 24 attempts,not bad to the usual stats of less than that at home a bit more time is needed to change the players mindset, not perfect, but to come from 2 down (to sucker punch goals)something to build on,as we were looking stale under Warnock this season.nice to see a bit of fight,pity Harris weren't here for the derby games onwards and upwards as they say.

sorry but had we turned up and defended like that at Swansea it would have been a real hammering.

But at least under Harris the team would of shown up And to be fair, we should have conceded quite a few that day,but for their wastefulness in front of goal.we were absolute cack all over the park,so in fairness we were hammered 1-0 it wasn't as if the defence was so good,they only got one goal is it