" EROL BULUT: RALLS INJURY CHANGED THE GAME "

Erol Bulut pinpoints game-changing moment against Leeds United and expects more Cardiff City signings in coming days

Cardiff City were pegged back at Elland Road by Leeds United but Bulut can see positives


By Glen Williams


Erol Bulut believes Joe Ralls' injury at Elland Road changed the complexion of Cardiff City's draw with Leeds United.

The Bluebirds began brightly up in Yorkshire, scoring twice in the first half through Josh Bowler and Ike Ugbo, but Liam Cooper pulled one back before Crysencio Summerville netted in the 95th minute.

Truthfully, though, Leeds were all over Cardiff in that second half. And Bulut believes Ralls' injury just before half-time completely changed City's game plan and allowed Leeds to dominate.

"I think the draw is a fair result for us. If we saw the second half, how much pressure we got, but we managed it really well in defence," Bulut said after the 2-2 draw.

"On one side, if you get a goal in the second half when the game restarts and then 90+5, you never like it. I never like it.

"We played against a really good team today in Leeds. Individually they are really, really good. They put us under pressure in the second half. We managed it in the first half really well.

"After the injury of Joe Ralls our game changed and we couldn't keep the first half as much. I think that's why in the second half we couldn't manage the pressure.

"The atmosphere was great, how you expect it for big games. Today was a big game and the atmosphere was great. But the result, with one point, in the end we have to be happy."

Bowler and Ugbo made dream starts to life in Cardiff colours, notching their first goals for the club, and Bulut was pleased with the duo's contributions at Elland Road.

"[Bowler] trained with us for a few days only. He missed a few games, but after a few games we will see a much, much better Josh Bowler.

"Ike, not only the goal, he worked really well on the pitch. Often he helps a lot in defence and it was a good game also for him.

"But in general, when you see like Yakou Meite, who only trained a few times, we put him in for 30 minutes but he needs games. I think you'll see, after a couple of weeks all the players know each other better and the game of Cardiff will change a little bit - in a positive away!"

All told, there was much to be positive about, having played against so many Premier League-quality players on the opening day of the season and putting up a real fight.

There was tenacity in the defence and glimpses of quality going forward. Although patently there is some improvements which can be made.

"I am positive about the first half, everything offensively and defensively, but we have to put the bad away," Bulut added.

"Because Joe Ralls got injured.... if he didn't get injured, maybe it would be different? I don't know. Football is like this. You can't say about 'ifs'. Today happened, he got injured and we managed to get a point here."

City next take to the pitch on Wednesday evening against Colchester in the League Cup. And Bulut expects a couple of new faces through the door before that game.

"Before the League Cup game? There can be (more signings)," he said. "Not only one, I think."

Asked how many he wanted before the end of the window, Bulut replied: "Two or three."

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Agree with ralls coming off changing the game for us. He gets his negative comments but he definitely helps with organising our midfield and can come up with the odd pass to set up attacks like he did today.

Get on board The Bulut Train. Hoping for a positive season after that great effort today.

Agree with ralls coming off changing the game for us. He gets his negative comments but he definitely helps with organising our midfield and can come up with the odd pass to set up attacks like he did today.

yes agree with ralls. I hold my hands up i didn't think he's a championship player anymore as thought his legs were gone. But there's been a couple of games now this game and Porto in pre season where our midfield has significantly weakened when he's not on the pitch

Ralls was playing well before his injury. His experience and Championship nouse is very under valued. Adams showed lots of energy and industry when he came on but his distribution is very much league two. I hope his role will be as a reserve this year and that at least one of the new signings this week is in the middle of the park.

Ralls also berated Meitie for lack of fitness and effort at the final whistle. Ralls showing yet again the fight and spirit that's needed. We love ya Rallsy.

Get on board The Bulut Train. Hoping for a positive season after that great effort today.

Is there any update on Ralls' injury?

Ralls also berated Meitie for lack of fitness and effort at the final whistle. Ralls showing yet again the fight and spirit that's needed. We love ya Rallsy.

How do you know details of the discussion mate?