Neil Warnock vows not to sign Emiliano Sala replacement in January
Cardiff slip to 2-1 defeat on emotional night at Emirates Stadium
Wednesday 30 January 2019 08:08, UK
Neil Warnock paid tribute to missing Emiliano Sala by confirming Cardiff will not look to sign a striker before Thursday's transfer deadline.
Cardiff played for the first time since the aeroplane carrying their record signing and pilot Dave Ibbotson disappeared, slipping to a 2-1 defeat away at Arsenal on Tuesday.
Arsenal 2-1 Cardiff: As it happened
Asked whether the club would be active in the January window before Deadline Day, Warnock told Sky Sports: "Yes. But I don't think we will be bringing any strikers in.
"Emiliano was the one I worked on for a couple of months. I don't see anyone else that we can get that will be better than we've already got.
"We need a couple of defenders to supplement the squad, because we are short in numbers there. We are working hard behind the scenes to try and bring one or two in."
Cardiff produced a valiant performance at the Emirates after such a difficult week, dominating the first half in which Bobby Reid could have scored twice.
They eventually succumbed to a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang penalty and an Alexandre Lacazette solo effort, with substitute Nathaniel Mendez-Laing netted a late consolation.
"This was probably the best away performance since I've been at the club, not just because of the circumstances but the opposition as well," Warnock added.
"I'm disappointed we didn't win, let alone draw. If Arsenal had the chances we had they'd have had four goals.
"We can't do anymore than what the players did tonight other than score goals.
"Bobby knows he should hit the target. We had 19 shots, I don't think we've ever had that many away from home.
"We were quite comfortable, I didn't see where they could break us down. That is why it's so disappointing to give them the incentive of a penalty, which was an obvious one."
Asked if he was relieved to get the game over with after such a traumatic week, Warnock replied: "Yes, and when the window closes, whether we bring anyone in or not. It's been a nightmare. January is a nightmare for managers."
