“ Robert Glatzel “

The unlikely player who holds Cardiff City's Championship play-off fate and Premier League dream in his hands

Bluebirds need striker Robert Glatzel to justify his £5.5m transfer fee with the goals that drive team into top six

By Paul Abbandonato



Wednesday 17th June 2020

Cardiff City fans need to see more of this from Robert Glatzel (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)
We don't know exactly how behind-closed-doors football will pan out, but with or without fans we do know plenty about Cardiff City.

They are resolute, hard to beat, heavily reliant upon set-pieces, give everything until the final whistle, - and have the occasional sprinkle of stardust that comes from Magic Man Lee Tomlin.

What the Bluebirds lack is the same thing that has been missing for the best part of a decade. A centre-forward who can score goals.

Hence why Neil Harris will probably embark down the Nell Warnock route again by playing Callum Paterson, a converted right-back remember, as his main striker when the season recommences against Championship leaders Leeds United this weekend.

Paterson's work ethic, heading ability and determination to be first to every ball embodies the way the Bluebirds play, with a barrage of Will Vaulks throws or Joe Ralls set-pieces arrowed into the opposition penalty box.

But you just sense Cardiff can't continue doing same old, same old if they are to soar into the top six in the coming nine matches, with a Premier League dream at the end of the rainbow.

Something needs to change and the enforced break has handed Harris an unexpected opportunity to take stock, re-evaluate and assess the best way forward to make that play-off charge a credible one.

The foundations are there, we know that. Even in not playing well this season, bar a handful of games, the Bluebirds have commendably remained in the fight. That is a real strength, so just imagine what they could achieve by suddenly getting it right.

An extra dimension is needed to start turning a plethora of hard-earned draws into wins - and that can come from playing a better style of football and finding a bloke to put the ball in the back of the net.

Step forward Robert Glatzel, the £5.5million man signed from German football who, it is fair to say, has hardly set the world on fire in his first season with the Bluebirds.






Glatzel was part of Warnock's expensively assembled new spine to the team last summer as the manager went big, in every sense. None of the three have worked. As with Aden Flint and Marlon Pack, Glatzel found himself out of the team and, same as those two, will probably have to make do with a substitute's shirt for Leeds.

But whereas Flint and Pack each had to be omitted because the team clearly needed more legs and energy, you just sense - certainly hope - there remains much more to come from Glatzel.

He needs to look upon these closing nine fixtures as a new beginning, his moment, because any striker who can bag close on a goal a game pretty much guarantees his team will make the play-offs. Particularly one as defensively robust and hard to beat as Cardiff.

Glatzel arrived with glowing references, having netted 17 goals in 29 Heidenheim appearances last season. Evidently Bundesliga 2 is a completely different kettle of fish to the Championship, though I guess we knew that anyway.

Despite a 6ft 4in frame, Glatzel has sometimes struggled with the abrasive and relentless nature of one of the toughest divisions in world football.

But part of Warnock's thought process to sign him was swayed by the fact that Glatzel had just struck a hat-trick in a German Cup quarter-final against a Bayern Munich side containing World Cup winning defenders Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng.

Mug strikers don't do that sort of thing.

Glatzel clearly has ability, we just haven't seen enough of it yet as a mere five Bluebirds goals in 25 appearances, albeit some of them bit-part, would indicate.

Even by his direct style of play reputation, Warnock's summer signings were an indication of a team that was going to play route one with bells on top.

Yet despite his size and stature, Glatzel is hardly John Toshack when it comes to heading the ball. It quickly became evident Paterson's style better suits the way the Bluebirds play.

But without their passionate fans to roar them on, particularly from set-pieces at the Canton End in the closing minutes of a game, Cardiff are going to require more subtlety, modify their tactics by keeping the ball better in the coming matches.

That will suit Glatzel, whose clever runs could see him get on the end of probing through balls from the likes of Tomlin, Junior Hoilett and Albert Adomah.

Cardiff are one of the teams who will be adversely affected by no crowd football, given there aren't too many more passionate sets of supporters off whom the players so clearly feed.

Yet ironically Glatzel is one player who could actually kick-start his career because of behind closed doors games, not being weighed down as much by the pressures of having to justify that transfer fee to the fans with every chance that comes his way.

Instead of snatching at opportunities because of that sense of expectation, he might snaffle them up in a more calm and composed manner.



In fact, if Glatzel can go on a scoring run, this little period could be the making of his Cardiff career.

The goal he netted in Saturday's friendly against Swansea City was a good start, demonstrating again he does have an eye for goal.

Earlier in the season, Glatzel came off the bench to combine beautifully with Tomlin as the Bluebirds roared back from 3-0 down to draw with Leeds at Elland Road.

They goal they crafted together was high-class. A beautiful through ball, a perfectly timed run beyond the defence, an exquisite finish.

Evidence of what can be achieved.

I don't want to sound like I'm talking up Robert Glatzel too much because the truth is, for whatever reason, he hasn't shown he can deliver in a Bluebirds shirt.

But you sense something must be there in a bloke who got a hat-trick against Bayern just over a year ago - and we need to start seeing it.

What price Tomlin and Glatzel starting on the bench this weekend... and coming on to directly influence the Leeds result again?

Bluebirds fans are crying out for a goalscoring centre-forward to follow in the footsteps of Jay Bothroyd.

Glatzel may, or may not, be capable of that. But he has to be better than we've seen to date.

Just ask Bayern Munich.

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Harris now has had plenty of time to analyse the squad and work with the players, it will be really interesting to see what team he picks?

Agreed.

I still think he has the ability to become a good striker at this level. Just a matter of whether our system evolves enough to accommodate him.

Although he does meed to adapt to the physicality and improve his hold up play. Good attitude though by all accounts.

Agreed.

I still think he has the ability to become a good striker at this level. Just a matter of whether our system evolves enough to accommodate him.

Although he does meed to adapt to the physicality and improve his hold up play. Good attitude though by all accounts.

Good to hear he has a good attitude.

hasn't worked out and about time the club come to terms with it...the experimenting costs us points.

He awful
If he didnt cost 5.5mill then people would be saying get rid or loan him out.

He brings nothing to the team and when he plays we revert to long balls . Take the loss (again)and send him back to Germany.

He definitely has something about him and I'm sure a few goals and another season in the championship and he will a different player

I personally think he will come good, for the sake of Ccfc then I hope that’s the case

Atm I’d say Paterson holds the number 9 shirt. I’d put Glatzel ahead of Ward though as DW only seems to be partially effective by running around a bit when coming off the bench. For me, he joins Connolly and Richards off the pay roll.

Atm I’d say Paterson holds the number 9 shirt. I’d put Glatzel ahead of Ward though as DW only seems to be partially effective by running around a bit when coming off the bench. For me, he joins Connolly and Richards off the pay roll.

Ok would play Adomah up front before all of them.

He awful
If he didnt cost 5.5mill then people would be saying get rid or loan him out.

He brings nothing to the team and when he plays we revert to long balls . Take the loss (again)and send him back to Germany.

agree its all about the transfer fee... leave him out and any chance of recouping any money dwindles.. play him he costs points

Atm I’d say Paterson holds the number 9 shirt. I’d put Glatzel ahead of Ward though as DW only seems to be partially effective by running around a bit when coming off the bench. For me, he joins Connolly and Richards off the pay roll.

Ok would play Adomah up front before all of them.

That dont suprise me in the slightest

Atm I’d say Paterson holds the number 9 shirt. I’d put Glatzel ahead of Ward though as DW only seems to be partially effective by running around a bit when coming off the bench. For me, he joins Connolly and Richards off the pay roll.

Ok would play Adomah up front before all of them.

That dont suprise me in the slightest

It shouldn't . Not even a contest really our strikers are dogshit

Nice to see the positivity hasn't deminished during lockdown

Nice to see the positivity hasn't deminished during lockdown

I want us to win games mate...that's as positive as it gets...

He definitely has something about him and I'm sure a few goals and another season in the championship and he will a different player

I agree with this.

I’ve always thought Glatzel looks decent but it’s certainly fair to say it hasn’t really worked out for him so far.

I think if Harris tweaks his tactics next season and starts to play a more modern possession based game the Glatzel will improve no end. These pathetic long balls for him to chase down are not the answer.

Possession based is the way forward.

Possession based is the way forward.

Absolutely it is and I’ve been disappointed with Harris so far.
Obviously, I don’t expect any difference in tactics for the final 9 games whatever but I hope he changes it for next season.

Glatzel has been brought up in a much more technical and tactical system and suddenly he’s chasing long aimless balls here under Warnock and Harris.

Possession based is the way forward.

Absolutely it is and I’ve been disappointed with Harris so far.
Obviously, I don’t expect any difference in tactics for the final 9 games whatever but I hope he changes it for next season.

Glatzel has been brought up in a much more technical and tactical system and suddenly he’s chasing long aimless balls here under Warnock and Harris.

100% agree. Possession based football is a winner on and off the field. As you say Glatzel has arrived and been asked to chase the long ball. Him being used to perform previously with the ball at his feet must have affected his confidence as not used to this style.

Hopefully here on in we will have the superior possession based style and reap instant rewards

He definitely has something about him and I'm sure a few goals and another season in the championship and he will a different player

I agree with this.

I’ve always thought Glatzel looks decent but it’s certainly fair to say it hasn’t really worked out for him so far.

I think if Harris tweaks his tactics next season and starts to play a more modern possession based game the Glatzel will improve no end. These pathetic long balls for him to chase down are not the answer.

Glatzel is often isolated with long balls hit high, but he has a good touch and as you say, tweak the tactics and we will see a different player I am sure.
If we continue to hit long balls then Paterson is the number 9 for that as hes a battler and always gives you everything. It's good to have the option I feel

Time for GLATZEL TO STEP UP TO THE MARK, live up to his price tag

He definitely has something about him and I'm sure a few goals and another season in the championship and he will a different player

I agree with this.

I’ve always thought Glatzel looks decent but it’s certainly fair to say it hasn’t really worked out for him so far.

I think if Harris tweaks his tactics next season and starts to play a more modern possession based game the Glatzel will improve no end. These pathetic long balls for him to chase down are not the answer.

Glatzel is often isolated with long balls hit high, but he has a good touch and as you say, tweak the tactics and we will see a different player I am sure.
If we continue to hit long balls then Paterson is the number 9 for that as hes a battler and always gives you everything. It's good to have the option I feel

I fail to see it... and we certainly don't win very often if he plays...

He definitely has something about him and I'm sure a few goals and another season in the championship and he will a different player

I agree with this.

I’ve always thought Glatzel looks decent but it’s certainly fair to say it hasn’t really worked out for him so far.

I think if Harris tweaks his tactics next season and starts to play a more modern possession based game the Glatzel will improve no end. These pathetic long balls for him to chase down are not the answer.

Glatzel is often isolated with long balls hit high, but he has a good touch and as you say, tweak the tactics and we will see a different player I am sure.
If we continue to hit long balls then Paterson is the number 9 for that as hes a battler and always gives you everything. It's good to have the option I feel

I fail to see it... and we certainly don't win very often if he plays...

If he wins us promotion I'll run through Cardiff naked

He definitely has something about him and I'm sure a few goals and another season in the championship and he will a different player

I agree with this.

I’ve always thought Glatzel looks decent but it’s certainly fair to say it hasn’t really worked out for him so far.

I think if Harris tweaks his tactics next season and starts to play a more modern possession based game the Glatzel will improve no end. These pathetic long balls for him to chase down are not the answer.

Glatzel is often isolated with long balls hit high, but he has a good touch and as you say, tweak the tactics and we will see a different player I am sure.
If we continue to hit long balls then Paterson is the number 9 for that as hes a battler and always gives you everything. It's good to have the option I feel

I fail to see it... and we certainly don't win very often if he plays...

If he wins us promotion I'll run through Cardiff naked

I will join you...

Remember social distancing

I really have no faith in Glatzel whatsoever. I hope he proves me wrong and he's worked on himself physically in the last few months.

I cant believe anybody ever doubted the man

Quality goal

Quality player

Best striker we've had since Gary Madine in my opinion

He definitely has something about him and I'm sure a few goals and another season in the championship and he will a different player

I agree with this.

I’ve always thought Glatzel looks decent but it’s certainly fair to say it hasn’t really worked out for him so far.

I think if Harris tweaks his tactics next season and starts to play a more modern possession based game the Glatzel will improve no end. These pathetic long balls for him to chase down are not the answer.

Glatzel is often isolated with long balls hit high, but he has a good touch and as you say, tweak the tactics and we will see a different player I am sure.
If we continue to hit long balls then Paterson is the number 9 for that as hes a battler and always gives you everything. It's good to have the option I feel

I fail to see it... and we certainly don't win very often if he plays...

If he wins us promotion I'll run through Cardiff naked

Get your clothes off !!!!!!!

Great strikers goal today.. he’s a quality player. We have started passing more, but it’s not possession footy yet..

Great strikers goal today.. he’s a quality player. We have started passing more, but it’s not possession footy yet..

RG is far better at link up play and was excellent when the ball was on the floor.