Joel post-Mamelodi Sundowns | Nice to get 90 minutes
“It was tough. They were quite a physical side, and obviously the heat plays a massive part as well. It was a good run out, and it was good to get fitness in against a good side. It was nice to get 90 minutes, my first 90 of the pre-season, so I’m happy.
“It’s hard, obviously, because these games are used to get match fitness, when you’re playing against a team who are just running everywhere and you’ve got to cover. But, I think it’s perfect for us.
“When we go to the Championship, where maybe teams are not as physical and not as fit, then it’s just going to be easier for us.”
Starting the game at right back before moving into midfield, Joel spoke about his relationship with fellow youngster Cian Ashford, and also discussed his first senior goal for the Bluebirds.
On his new defensive role, he said: “It’s difficult; obviously a new challenge, but it’s good to be versatile and it’s good to be able to adapt to different positions so that you can play wherever the manager needs you. I’m learning, and I’m getting better.
“Cian got the ball, and I know he sometimes likes to come inside, so I made the run down to the corner. But he played it this time, and I just I looked up and thought: “Oh, I can have a go here”, and I did!
“We’ve done a lot of shooting after training, so I have been working on my shooting. It came off quite well, I caught it clean, so I’m happy.
“It is quite mad really. We’ve been together since we were U9s, so we know each other quite well. I know what he’s good at, I know how to cover him, he knows how to cover me. It was good to play with each other on the right side.
“Obviously, my goal is to play for
Joel post-Mamelodi Sundowns | Nice to get 90 minutes
. That’s what I’ve always wanted to do, and that’s been my goal since I was young. So if I can live that out, It’ll be amazing.”
Watch more from Joel and Erol Bulut on Cardiff City TV.
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