Jewell's Cardiff Comments

Last updated : 15 April 2004 By Paul Farrington

"I thought we were outstanding from the first whistle to the last. We got at Cardiff, didn't let them settle, and we were always in their faces. We're a high pressure team, and are at our best when we put pressure on the ball and hunt in packs.

"We didn't let Cardiff get their heads up and play, and that's credit to the whole team. I was speaking before the game to Lennie Lawrence who I know from old. He was saying it would be interesting to see how his two centre-halves coped with our two strikers and vice-versa.

"Obviously we came out on top of that one, and while the goals were good, the movement and work rate of Jason Roberts and Nathan Ellington was pleasing. At times they were unplayable out there, although I'm always asking for improvement."

And Jewell then went on to talk about his side's play-off push as a whole.

"This is a fantastic situation to be in and one we've got to try and enjoy. It's in our hands but we have games to come against Palace, Sunderland, Forest and West Ham which is one hell of a tough run-in.

"There are still going to be a lot of twists and turns yet, even though there are only four games left. Twelve points are up for grabs and it's very tight up there at the top of the table. Last night, there will have been a few teams below us hoping that Cardiff would do them a favour and beat us.

"This win has given us a little bit of a cushion, although it doesn't take the pressure off. It's not about where you are with four games to go, what counts is where you are after 46 games. Of course we're delighted to be back in fourth place but there is still an awful lot of hard work still to be done.

"I would think this result puts Cardiff out of the equation for the play-offs, but you can look as far down as Reading in 10th place. It's going to go down to the wire and we are in there fighting with the big boys. At this time of the season, it's all about keeping your bottle and focusing on your job.

"I would be telling lies if I said I didn't know who was playing who before the end of the season but I have to keep the players focused, and we know that if we win every game now, we will be in the play-offs. Mentally it is absolutely shattering, although I'd rather be up here than down fighting relegation."

Quote taken from: wiganathletic.tv