Jesper Daland Highlights Cardiff City’s Quality and the Need for Consistency

Jesper Daland emphasizes the importance of consistency for Cardiff City as Omer Riza’s team aims to distance itself from the Championship relegation zone. The Bluebirds are scheduled to play league leaders Sheffield United on Saturday at 15:00 GMT, following a streak of seven league matches without a victory. However, Daland maintains that Cardiff, currently positioned just one point above the bottom three ahead of the weekend, possesses the ability to prevent a third relegation struggle in the past four seasons. The former Norway Under-21 international stated, “We have a lot of new faces in the squad, including me, and sometimes it takes time.” He continued, “I know it can be difficult for people around the club, the supporters, but I am in every day and I see the quality we have, I really do.” Daland also added, “I [also] know the ambitions of the club, so I am pretty calm about everything.” He further commented on the team’s potential, saying, “When we are at the level, we know we can be really good. It’s about showing consistency. I think in the end hopefully we can look back on a good season.” Daland has participated in only seven matches since his transfer to Cardiff from Belgian club Cercle Brugge in August, partly due to injury. However, after completing 90 minutes in the draw against Stoke City last weekend, the 24-year-old is optimistic about maintaining his position in the squad when Cardiff faces the Blades. Daland further remarked, “Those are the games you want to play, against the toughest opponents.” He continued, “It’s a good chance for us to show what we can do. I think everyone in the locker room will be looking forward to it.” He concluded by stating, “If we take things from last weekend, I think we can make problems for them.” Omer Riza achieved a notable initial impact upon succeeding Erol Bulut in September, securing 14 points from his first seven matches at the helm. Nevertheless, a 1-0 defeat at Luton in early November initiated a discouraging period during which Cardiff has accumulated merely three points from a possible 21. Daland has expressed support for Riza, who earlier this month finalized a contract extending until the conclusion of the season, stating: “He is very passionate, very hard-working. The way he sees football is very positive.” Daland added, “I think we all enjoy [playing under] him. He does a good job and I think he is the right man in charge now.”