Johnson happy with extended Bluebirds preparation

City’s most recent game was the 2-2 draw with Barnsley last Friday and, in the rigours of the Sky Bet Championship, the additional training days and absence of a midweek match has given Johnson and his coaches extra time.

With a team exercise at Mojo Active, featuring an assault course and high ropes also slotted into the schedule, Johnson is happy with preparations to face the Bluebirds at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Derby time

The Robins and Cardiff City have played in some memorable games and Head Coach Johnson said: “I’m very much looking forward to it. It’s always a passionate game, the fans will be there in their numbers and that’s going to be key. Our record (away from home) has been decent so far this season and it’s going to need to be decent again because of the quality of the Cardiff players.”

Coaching

Johnson and his coaching team have had some quality time on the grass, adding: “What’s been great this week is that we’ve actually been able to coach. I know that sounds strange but because of the intensity and the rhythm that we have had the players working under (due to the schedule) it’s been difficult to get them to work on areas of the game we need to improve on. So it’s been a great week in terms of having three or four sessions, plus double sessions, that we have been able to really hone in, not so much on the tactical work, but the individual work that we need to get into our young players without the risk of them being fatigued for the Sunday game. Hopefully the fans will see those tactical and individual improvements on Sunday.”

Good position

City lie in sixth place after 15 games with 25 points and Johnson praised his squad: “The lads have been great. To be in the position that we are in, to have lost one in 14 (games), given the situation of so many key players being out for whatever reason. I just feel that we will get stronger in our performances as players come back. That’s not necessarily to bump players out of the team but competition gets stronger and attributes blend better.

“We built a certain structure to our side and unfortunately we haven’t been able to have it for the last few games. However, the players that are playing have still fought their heart out for the badge and we always respect that. We have stayed in games; yes we have won points where maybe we shouldn’t have done, and a times we have lost points where we should have seen it through. But at this stage of the season, with this new group, it’s still a learning curve and we have to make sure that we are peaking into that last 10/15 games of the season.”

Sold out away end

Supporters are reminded that the Robins will be backed by a sold out away end in South Wales with the full allocation snapped up by season card holders.

Fans without a ticket are urged to not travel to the Cardiff City Stadium as they will not gain entry however, the game will be shown live inside the Ashton Gate Sports Bar. Click here for full details.

And supporters with a ticket for the match can enjoy exclusive train fare discount with our official travel partner, TrainAI.