Cardiff City reportedly made early contact with Norwegian manager Eirik Horneland shortly after dismissing Erol Bulut in September. The club’s decision to part ways with Bulut came on the heels of a disheartening home loss to Leeds United, which left Cardiff at the bottom of the table with just one point from their first six matches.
Fans and analysts alike emphasized the urgency of securing a replacement promptly to stabilize the team’s performance and avoid further setbacks. Cardiff’s leadership appeared to act quickly, initiating discussions with Horneland, a highly respected figure in Norwegian football.
Horneland’s Record-Breaking Success with Brann
Horneland, currently managing SK Brann, has garnered attention for his recent accomplishments in Norway. Having initially joined Brann as an assistant in 2020, he assumed the head coach role the following year. His impact was immediate, steering the club to promotion by setting new records for points and goals scored in the Norwegian First Division in 2022. Under his guidance, Brann secured their seventh Norwegian Football Cup title last year and competed in the UEFA Conference League play-off round, where they narrowly lost to AZ Alkmaar on penalties.
“I was actually called at the end of September. These are facts and not rumours, but there was someone who was going to check up on Horneland from Cardiff City. So there is no doubt that there is interest in Horneland,” said former Brann midfielder Vegard Leikvoll Moberg on the Spiss Vinkel podcast. “It was a Norwegian who called on behalf of Cardiff.”
Potential Links to Cardiff Through Solskjaer
Horneland’s association with Cardiff City is bolstered by his connection to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the former Manchester United manager and another prominent Norwegian in British football. Both managers share an agent, and Horneland’s growing reputation in European football has inevitably drawn Cardiff’s attention as the club seeks a leader who can replicate his success at the highest level.
Despite the interest, Cardiff’s plans for a permanent managerial appointment have evolved since the initial contact with Horneland. At present, interim manager Omer Riza has emerged as a leading candidate for the role, with a recent run of improved results under his guidance.
Writer’s View
Cardiff City’s approach to Eirik Horneland suggests a strategic pivot towards managers with a proven track record of success in challenging leagues. While Riza may hold the reins for now, Cardiff’s willingness to scout a European talent like Horneland speaks volumes about the club’s aspirations and future direction.
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