"The chances are you are going to get beat anyway - they are a unique team. I want us to try and enjoy it and put up a good game against them."
Friday 21 September 2018 11:09, UK
Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock believes Manchester City are more "unique" and complete than their Premier League title rivals Chelsea and Liverpool.
Warnock wants his Cardiff side to enjoy the game and do more than just defend against the champions on Saturday, even if it means risking a big defeat in front of their home fans.
"I did mention to Sol (Bamba), let's just try and keep it to single figures. The difficult thing from a manager's point of view is do you try and shut up shop?," Warnock said in his pre-match press conference.
"The chances are you are going to get beat anyway - they are a unique team. Liverpool and Chelsea are good but this is a team that has everything in their locker. It is a real test for the team and staff. I want us to try and enjoy it and put up a good game against them without just having everyone defending for their lives.
"Pep will just be concerned with his own players because if they play like they can they beat everybody in the country, not just Cardiff City. He knows they'll be in for a game but with all things being equal their ability should come through."
One factor that could help Cardiff pull off an unlikely result against Manchester City is support from their fans.
Warnock says their renewed support of the Bluebirds is one feature of this campaign he is enjoying most.
"The fans have been unbelievable. At Chelsea we took 3,500 and their staff after the game commented on it and said they couldn't believe the noise they were making even at 4-1 down," Warnock added.
"I think you're going to get that now. At home I imagine we will get another full house. Who would have imagined we would have consecutive full houses two years ago? It's a fabulous occasion and the fans are really coming on board. That doesn't half help the players. That's all you can ask."
Meanwhile, Aron Gunnarsson has suffered another setback on his recovery from a knee injury after picking up a knock in training.
"No (he's no closer to being back). Aron picked another knock up in midweek," Warnock confirmed.
"A couple of the lads clashed so we've got a couple of lads with knocks and we'll have to wait and see about them.
"I don't know the extent of them."
