Daniel Farke pre Cardiff
With Luke, it was a special situation. I spoke a lot about my appreciation of him and his value for us as a club. If we judge the situation selfishly, you have to say it's not like our numbers at FB are too big. You want to keep a player likethat because he's proven. Keep him as human being., After the cup game, he came to us and asked if we would allow him the move. If someone with this CV asks the club for a move you have to accept it.
We want an experienced leader. Great for the club. So many years here. He has spent more years here than I have spent months. We listen to him and that's only fair. He has done so much for the club. I know the club has done so much for him too. Have to remember hos situation. His contract runs out, he's the oldest outfield player and he wants to get more minutes before the fire is still burning. Selfishly, we want to keep you but you have done so much, not just because we want to give something back, but he was always loyal and professional, you deserve a final goodbye in the way you choose.
Not an easy decision. I said a lot about my thoughts on him. If I had played him more he would have stayed, so I know I played my role in this.
He had to think about the final steps of his career. It would have not made any sense to keep him here. Right chpocie to allow him his move.
Full-back replacements?
I am always open about transfers and what we need in positions. We did this in the summer with Sam Byram and in the end Djed Spence. I like to be open and transparent.
I am more careful in January because I know this market is difficult. I cannot lie we have areas with too few numbers, but I know this market is difficult because players are under contract. Players available are those who are coming from injury or not playing. Nobody is tempted to give players away who are playing regularly. If you want someone who has not played recently it is hard to get them going.
Or, you spend crazy money and we cannot do this. I am careful to speak in public about what we do in January. We have some positions where it would be great to strengthen, but I know how difficult the market is.
Players here: you cannot guarantee how a new face will make them feel. Make them feel not wanted or not valued. I do not like to speak publicly too much about what we want to do. If business is done, we will speak about it. We know it would be great to strength but I do not want to point out where we need to strengthen
Ryan Giles
I do not speak about any players. Only when business is done.
Gyabi and Gelhardt
Darko was with the under-21s of late and we got the feeling it's a good choice to go out on loan because he needs to grow with maturity on a senior level. Working on a deal for him, not done yet. Optimistic about a good deal for him.
Joffy is a proper part of our group and played several minutes. Group is not too big and I am not tempted to give any more players away. Djed was our decision and we had to make one with Luke Ayling due to his career.
We want to keep more or less the rest f the group and even strengthen it. Maybe different at the end of the month, but right now we are pleased he is back in training as of yesterday
Injuries
Illan, thank God, is back and will return to the goal if nothing major happens in training,. Byram joined team training today, along with Poveda, who was ill earlier this week. Both available today. They will be ready for Saturday travel. Have to judge 90 minutes.
Gelhardt back too. Bad news is Pascal is still out for this game, no chance, and also Liam Cooper is a major doubt. Could not train today. Groin problems and I do not expect him to be involved.
Harder in this market to get experience?
Yes, sometimes older players can go out, but it does not ake sense to just bring numbers in or players who have not played in six months. No deals are done out of panic. We stay tight together and togetherness. Use 11 players willing to play for this shirt and we will always have a chance.
Our key people are doing a fantastic job.