Aren’t we all just excited that football is finally making a comeback? After COVID-19 put everything on hold, the world’s favorite sport is gradually coming back. In an interview with CNN Philippines, Azkals and Cardiff City FC number 1, Neil Etheridge, talks about the return of football.
With the return of football, we also see players, coaching staff, and officials alike are also bringing about awareness of racism by supporting the #BlackLivesMatter movement and taking a knee during games. When asked if they would also participate in the same gesture, Etheridge responded.
“I believe that we will.” Knowing that the reach of football, especially televised games, would have a greater impact of spreading awareness.
He was also asked about Cardiff’s upcoming match against current Championship 1st placers, Leeds United, marking the official return of football for him and his team. Neil commented, “We didn’t know when we were gonna come back” and that they had to keep themselves fit and game ready for football’s eventual return. They are looking to return to their “winning ways” as they face their upcoming opposition.
Cardiff is currently 9th on the EFL Championship standings, only behind 8th place Millwall on goal difference. They are still in contention for promotion play-off spots.
“We’re 2 points off the play-offs at the moment” adding that “there’s nine games left. It’s how we do in those nine games.” But he believes that his team has enough of what’s needed to put themselves in the play-offs.”
“It’s going to be strange playing in a stadium with no supporters but we believe we got what it takes.” Neil confidently said.
When asked how he kept himself in game condition during the lockdown, Etheridge responded saying that he had a gym installed at home just prior to the lockdown. Getting the home gym set up was a good move for him as they did not expect the that the lockdown would be taking an extended period. “I was very fortunate”, he added. “But it’s not the same as getting out on the field, playing amongst everything.”
“It’s all about who hits the ground running, to be honest.” Being that the next opponent is the current league leaders, Etheridge and co. knows it will be a tough game. But he also believes that anything can happen in the game of football. He hopes that the team can run with all three points to come even closer to that play-off spot.
It was also apparent that aside from his club duties, he would also be donning the flag representing the country again this year. Etheridge said that he has been in contact with the national team management. He is hoping that he’d be travelling back to the Philippines in the next few months.
“We’ve done really well up until now in the group stages. So we hope to continue that and qualify into the next stages of the World Cup qualifiers.
Finally, when asked about Liverpool’s chances of winning the premiership, Etheridge said that Liverpool might just win the league for the first time in a long time. “I don’t think there’s much of a doubt about it.”
We’re hoping to see Neil and the players of Cardiff FC take a promotion play-off spot. And we’re really hoping to see him back in the Premiership soon.
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