Emiliano Sala would have been proud of Cardiff performance against Arsenal, says Sol Bamba
"We have got a tight dressing room anyway but an event like this makes us even tighter."
Wednesday 30 January 2019 11:13, UK
Cardiff captain Sol Bamba says Emiliano Sala "would have been proud" of their efforts against Arsenal on a "very emotional" night for the club.
Neil Warnock's side lost 2-1 at the Emirates in their first game since the disappearance of the plane carrying Sala and pilot David Ibbotson.
Tributes were paid ahead of kick-off, with Bamba joined by Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil to lay a bouquet of daffodils in the centre circle.
Cardiff's players, management and staff wore flowers on their clothing, while Sala's name was also included in the Cardiff squad listed in the matchday programme, with an image of a daffodil where his squad number would be.
Speaking about the emotions of Tuesday's game, Bamba told Sky Sports News: "We needed to get back to business so we can have our minds on something else. But in moments like this, football comes second.
"It was very difficult to play that game but he [Sala] would have been proud of us because we did well. If he was there, he would have been happy to see a performance like that.
"[It's been] very difficult in these circumstances. We're obviously thinking about Emiliano's friends and family.
"It has been a very difficult week for the club and it was very emotional last night."
Bamba also confirmed that the Cardiff players have been offered support in dealing with the incident and any potential fears about flying to matches in the future.
"We have to fly because we play games in the north and that is the easiest way to get there and gives us the chance to rest," Bamba said.
"But it is important that the players can talk to persons qualified who can help to make sure they can fly.
"None of us have experienced anything like that before. It was a case of being there for each other and making sure everyone is alright.
"We were very down, I have never seen the dressing room that quiet. We had two days off because we could not train. Emotionally, it was very difficult.
"The gaffer [Neil Warnock] has brought someone in if we need to talk to them. A few of the lads did that because it was needed."
Tuesday's defeat to Arsenal leaves Cardiff three points from safety in the relegation zone, but Bamba hopes the squad's togetherness will lead to a strong second half of the season.
"We have got a tight dressing room anyway but an event like this makes us even tighter," he said.
"Hopefully that togetherness gives us the drive and belief to do well for the rest of the season.
"Moments like this bring dressing rooms together."
