" KENNY MILLER BLAMES LACK OF PRE-SEASON "

Cardiff City striker Kenny Miller blames lack of pre-season for loss of scoring touch
By Paul AbbandonatoMay 24 2012


Kenny Miller found it hard to find the net towards end of season




CARDIFF CITY striker Kenny Miller believes his lack of proper pre-season training led to what he dubs a “horrible” ending to the Bluebirds campaign.

The Scottish captain opened up on his end-of-campaign misery as he prepares to lead his country into friendly international battle with the United States this weekend.

Miller joined Malky Mackay’s team from Turkish football in Bursaspor at the start of the 2011-12 campaign, netting City’s opening-day winner against West Ham at Upton Park.


But he believes a lack of proper preparation meant his form and goals fizzled out by the time the Bluebirds met the Hammers again in the play-offs, when they crashed 5-0 on aggregate.

Miller had proved something of a talismanic striker earlier in the campaign, netting a number of crucial goals as City pushed near the top of the Championship table.

But he went on a horrendous goal drought in the closing weeks of the campaign and Cardiff’s results took a downturn in fortunes as a result.

Many believe reaching the play-offs and meeting Liverpool in the Carling Cup Final at Wembley represents a success story in the campaign just gone.

Miller does not view it that way, saying he was left “disappointed” at the way his and City’s season fizzled out.

“I was pretty disappointed with how the season went for us at Cardiff,” he said candidly.

“For one reason or another things didn’t work out as well as I hoped.

“It took me a while to get going because I didn’t have a pre-season under my belt. Towards the end of the season I started to notice it and it told in the end.

“It was the first time I’d missed pre-season and it made things hard for me. I definitely faded towards the end.

“There were highlights, like getting to the Carling Cup Final and coming so close to winning it.

“In the league we got into the play-offs and a lot of people would have taken that at the start of the season.

“But I wanted to win the league and get automatic promotion. In January I thought we were looking good for it, but we fell short.

“I remember seeing a league table at the end of January and we were third, a point behind Southampton.

“We played them next and then had a game against Blackpool and we didn’t win either of them. From there we went on a horrible run. We went from being in the mix to falling away.

“Maybe if we’d strengthened in January it might have helped, but the manager wasn’t able to bring anyone in.”

Miller is hoping to put his play-off woe behind him by firing the Scots to victory over the USA when he wins his 60th cap in Florida.

“End-of-season trips aren’t normally the best, but this is a good one. I’ve been looking forward to coming here. It’s not bad is it, coming to Florida?” he said.

“It’s a good game as well and it will be a test for us against the USA. It’s part of the preparations for the World Cup qualifiers this year.

“As a group, though, we enjoy spending time together on trips like these.

“The manager makes it a good blend of down-time and keeping the players busy. Whether it’s a golf day or a poker night, the players are kept interested. We don’t sit in our rooms bored.”

Miller, 32, said he planned playing on for Scotland during the next World Cup campaign, saying he has no intention of calling time on his international career like team-mate Steven Fletcher.

The Wolves striker has hung up his international boots, but Miller said playing for Scotland can help him fire again for the Bluebirds next season.

“International football can bring you on so much as a player. I know it did with me,” said Miller.

“When Walter Smith first came in and started playing me regularly against top-class players, I got better as a result of that. This level is a different style and a tough environment.

“It’s not for everybody. If Steven has decided it’s not for him then we wish him the best. He’s his own man and he can make his decision.

““But I would never walk away from this. It would never enter into my thinking because I like playing for my country and it’s brought me on as a player no end in the last seven or eight years.

“I think Steven will regret it. It’s not about getting as many caps as you can. It’s about playing and testing yourself against the best.

“I don’t know how I would think if I had retired from Scotland duty at the end of the last campaign and then we reached the World Cup in Brazil.

“In fact, I do know — I would be devastated. I’ve run around up front like a daftie for 10 years and not qualified for a tournament, to then walk away and then see the team get to one... that would wreck me.”




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well now if he new he was fading fitness wise why did he not insist on a break for 2 or 3 games and then come back refreshed

Yes he should of been rested,a mistake by mackay,but hes still a young manager,hope he learns from it.

Really?!

The grief City fans give him are pathetic The majority of the fans are brainless criticising him.

His early form was shocking and that was down to preseason.
Later in the season maybe he was tired and needed a rest but we had a lack of options.
I fully back him to stay and be a first team member

I like miller,i think he ll do well next year,just think malkay should have rested him few games,could have tried mason and earnie for few games.

Sensible comments there.

Millar was a victim of the lack of other options at the club.

We had less in terms of striking options than probably 20 other clubs in our division - probably only Coventry, Derby and maybe one or 2 others who had less to choose from.

Sensible comments there.

Millar was a victim of the lack of other options at the club.

We had less in terms of striking options than probably 20 other clubs in our division - probably only Coventry, Derby and maybe one or 2 others who had less to choose from.

Blackpool showed the difference clearly to me. They brought on Phillips and Bedbar and it paid dividends hugely.
A club must have at least 4 first team strikers.

Sensible comments there.

Millar was a victim of the lack of other options at the club.

We had less in terms of striking options than probably 20 other clubs in our division - probably only Coventry, Derby and maybe one or 2 others who had less to choose from.

Blackpool showed the difference clearly to me. They brought on Phillips and Bedbar and it paid dividends hugely.
A club must have at least 4 first team strikers.

Yes, and a mix, maybe an old head, and one with pace and definately, definately a big target man -especially if we can have 7 on the bench now

Is 7 on the bench likely to be an option again?

Is 7 on the bench likely to be an option again?

I hope so, I was annoyed when they changed it from 7 to 5

How do they expect teams to bring through youth players?

Is 7 on the bench likely to be an option again?

I hope so, I was annoyed when they changed it from 7 to 5

How do they expect teams to bring through youth players?

I agree makes no sense to me.

Is 7 on the bench likely to be an option again?

I thought I read it had changed back.

Mind you lots of strange things pass through my head

Is 7 on the bench likely to be an option again?

I thought I read it had changed back.

Mind you lots of strange things pass through my head

I haven't read it but hope so

He needs a good partner. He plays better when he's not on his own upfront.

Lol.

He's simply not good enough, and to make matters worse - he's looking for excuses.

Awful.

Lol.

He's simply not good enough, and to make matters worse - he's looking for excuses.

Awful.

You care about slating Miller more than talking about Cardiff City. We get it, you think he's shit, don't need to tell us 1000 times.

He's f*cking shit mun

Funny how we are linked with bidding for various strikers and Miller now comes out with excuses for his poor 2nd half season...

I blame the formation - I think he'll do better next season playing alongside someone who is quick and aggressive.

I like Kenny but all he did Post Carling Cup Final was moan.

Bring on next season.

Well he was promised a striker to play along with him and it didnt happen , you carnt expect usane bolt to run 100meters in 10seconds if hes running backwards, which is what he done for most of the season looking at the other team in are half with his back to there goal then chasing hoofballs vs 6ft+ center halfs , pointless. but it does not cover up the fact when he had the chances they would more or less go in row Z

He's f*cking shit mun

Towards the end of the season ,the service to miller was awful,whitts lost his way slightly and the lack of width left kenny feeding off scraps
how was a small striker supposed to win the ball competing against two huge centre backs? earnie wouldnt have made a difference because we would have played excatly the same tactics
with a few additions to our squad,miller will definetly be more effective.He still is capable of scoring 15+goals a season at chmapionship level

Not sure how much a tinpot friendly on other side of the world will help.....

I dont think kenny truly believes it was the lack of a pre season that was responsible for his goal draught but hes hardly going to publicy criticise himself,his team mates or malky when confronted with the media
Hes a professional on and off the pitch which is more that can be said of previous players.So why not get behind him

Kenny Miller blames lack of pre-season and some fans blame Kenny Miller.

There's only one way to solve it............

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... ccess.html

Is 7 on the bench likely to be an option again?

I thought I read it had changed back.

Mind you lots of strange things pass through my head

I haven't read it but hope so

Looks like I'm not going mad after all.

its back to 7 subs from next season.