Erol Bulut: Cardiff City boss lays down challenge to Callum Robinson and Rubin Colwill
- Published
Callum Robinson's only start this season was September's EFL Cup loss at Blackburn, in which he scored
Cardiff City manager Erol Bulut has told Callum Robinson and Rubin Colwill they must work harder defensively to regain their starting places.
Republic of Ireland forward Robinson and Wales playmaker Colwill have largely been used as substitutes since Bulut took charge in June.
With the likes of Aaron Ramsey out injured, Bulut wants Robinson and Colwill to improve and fill that void.
He said: "I have problems with some of my players so they have to change it."
Bulut added: "Football, I will repeat myself, it's not only about scoring and playing offensive football. With ball and without ball.
"Some players like to play with the ball, I appreciate this, but without this they have to work for the team.
"Both Callum and Rubin are included in this. It's not enough or what I am expecting from them to be in the starting 11. I cannot play with 10 players. I need 11.
"We are not a team which has individual high-class players to change a game, we need all 11 to be successful. If one isn't included in the game against the ball, it means other players have to run and fight much more. It doesn't make sense, everyone has to work.
"We have some injuries now and now is the time to show yourself and say: 'I am this!'"
Colwill, 21, has been a peripheral figure for Cardiff lately, struggling to secure a regular starting place despite his considerable potential which earned him a senior Wales debut when he was only 19.
Bulut has spoken to the eight-cap attacking midfielder about where he needs to improve and, before Saturday's Championship trip to Blackburn Rovers, he will do the same with Robinson.
Cardiff paid around £1.5m to sign the 28-year-old from West Bromwich Albion in September 2022 but, although he has enjoyed some bright moments with the Bluebirds, Robinson has not started any league games this season and been limited to seven appearances from the bench.
"With Rubin, I spoke and he understands, he is a young player," said Bulut.
"Robbo, he is quality, I like what he showed in pre-season in the games, but if I see the last two games of Robinson, I cannot say that I am satisfied.
"I will also have a meeting with him, he just came today [Thursday, after playing for the Republic of Ireland] so I am going to have a meeting tomorrow to tell him what I am expecting of him. Sometimes players forget.
"Because I need him. I don't have Ramsey. Rubin and Robbo can play there. Rubin is young, Robbo is experienced. But if Robbo wants to play he has to give everything for the team like other players. I won't appreciate it if they don't give everything for the team."
Ramsey on the road to recovery
Wales captain Aaron Ramsey has scored 21 goals in 84 international appearances
Earlier this month, Bulut said Ramsey was expected to be out for a minimum of eight to 10 weeks with a ruptured tendon in his knee.
That ruled the midfielder out of Wales' Euro 2024 qualifying win over Croatia last Sunday, as well as their remaining qualifiers against Armenia and Turkey in November.
The 32-year-old has avoided surgery and been able to resume light training as he continues his recovery.
"Already he has started slowly to run. He is doing well," said Bulut.
"I'm surprised it [the recovery] goes so quick. I hope it continues like this."
Cardiff are set to be without Republic of Ireland international Callum O'Dowda until the end of December.
The winger or full-back suffered a groin injury at the end of August and had surgery at the beginning of October.
There is better news regarding forwards Yakou Meite and Kion Etete after they sustained hamstring injuries earlier this month.
Meite is fit and will be with the squad for Saturday's game at Ewood Park, while Bulut said Etete is a week away from returning to action.