Neil Warnock adamant Kenneth Zohore will remain at Cardiff City after revealing why 'big players' struggle in pre-season
By Dominic Booth
Tuesday 18th July 2017
Neil Warnock reiterated his firm stance on Kenneth Zohore's future insisting the striker won't leave this summer unless another manager takes over at Cardiff City.
The boss also reflected on the frontman's two-goal performance against AFC Tavistock as Zohore made his first team return following summer exploits with Denmark Under-21s.
Zohore netted twice in a 45-minute cameo that reminded Bluebirds fans of the 23-year-old's talents, as the Bluebirds beat Tavistock 7-2.
But Warnock believes "big lads" like Zohore and centre-back Bruno Manga have it tougher in pre-season because it's harder to get their bigger frames back up to match pace.
"With a bit of luck he could have scored four or five (against Tavistock)," said Warnock after the game.
"He's in a good place at the moment. In a way I'm quite pleased he's been away with the Danish Under-21s because he's kept himself quite sharp and he's only had a couple of weeks off.
"That was his first 45 minutes back and you could see he's already fitting in well. I thought the new lads did well, (Nathaniel) Mendez-Laing, (Loic) Damour and (Danny) Ward. Wardy could have had four or five but the goalkeeper pulled off some brilliant saves."
Asked again whether there's any chance Zohore could leave the club this summer, amid interest from Hull City, Warnock's reply was blunt.
"No," he said.
"He (Zohore) realises I've resurrected his career and he needs another 12 months with me and to knock some goals in. And then the world's his oyster really.
"He's not going anywhere. Not unless I have a heart attack and another manager takes over!
Warnock then extended his sympathy to Zohore, Bruno Manga and the Bluebirds' centre-backs, whom he believes have it tougher in pre-season.
Manga conceded a soft second half penalty but again showed some classy touches on the ball in his second pre-season appearance since agreeing a new Cardiff deal.
"It's difficult in pre-season for the big lads, the centre-halves," added Warnock.
"It's far more difficult for them than anybody else because you've got to get those big legs moving again - the same with Ken.
"So it will take a few weeks for them to get bigger and stronger."
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