Cardiff City manager Erol Bulut satisfied with Championship start
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Erol Bulut believes Aaron Ramsey does not require surgery on a knee injury
Erol Bulut is satisfied with Cardiff City's start to the Championship season but said there is plenty more to do.
Bulut has lifted the Bluebirds from relegation survivors to play-off contenders in just 10 games.
It is a stark contrast to Cardiff's recent history with managers.
Steve Morison was sacked after the same number of games last season, while his predecessor Mick McCarthy also got the boot the previous October (2021) after a 2-0 loss to Middlesbrough.
Bulut has just lost by the same scoreline to the same opponents yet has not only survived but has brought renewed hope to a club that has been beset by instability.
Cardiff were only able to strengthen their squad with free transfers and loans this summer because of a three-window transfer embargo, to be lifted by Fifa in January, which prevents them paying fees for players.
Late goals saw Bulut fail to win any of his first three league games but they have since won five of their last seven - including the south Wales derby against Swansea.
"When you look at the problems we had at the start of the season, with the transfers [embargo] and the early games, and look where we are right now, I think we can be satisfied - for now," said Bulut.
"We have done well but we want more, so we have to work hard to continue in a positive way.
"We have some injuries right now and had to play some players out of position (at Middlesbrough) so we hope to have one or two back for Saturday."
Cardiff's notable injury list has only worsened with Jamilu Collins (knee) rested for the match at Middlesbrough, in which this season's leading scorer Kion Etete suffered a hamstring issue.
Bulut is already without Aaron Ramsey, Josh Bowler, Yakou Meite and Callum O'Dowda.
Ramsey will also miss Wales' key Euro 2024 qualifier against Croatia this month after injuring his knee in training with Cardiff.
However manager Bulut believes the 32-year-old Wales captain does not require surgery.
Bulut said: "I'm still waiting for the report [on Ramsey] to know how long he will be out for but, as far as I know, he does not need an operation."