Gyepes Omission A Sign Of Cardiff City Rift ?

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones has opted for the defensive duo of Mark Hudson and Anthony Gerrard to start in our league matches so far this season. Despite some dodgy moments, and a poor patch - the Bluebirds manager has not opted to change that area meaning Hungarian Gabor Gyepes has been an unused substitute for much of the campaign.

Gyepes ousted Darren Purse last season to become first choice centre-back along with Roger Johnson but has found himself marginalised following the summer arrivals of Hudson and Gerrard. However, the Hungarian was omitted from Saturday`s squad to face Sheffield United meaning there was no recognised cover at centre-back available on the Bluebirds bench. Instead, two specialist full-backs (Quinn & Comminges) were included in an unusual break from tradition for Jones.

We have heard nothing from CCS regarding Gyepes` omission and he appears to be fully fit suggesting another reason may be behind his axe from the squad. Last week, Gabor spoke out about his frustration with the current situation and lack of opportunities. Gyepes told Sky Sports:

"I don't know why I don't play, before the start of the season the British media wrote that I would have a sure place in the defence."

'Then the team lost many games but my manager didn't think of putting me in the team. I train hard, try to do my best but it seems to be useless.'


The comments appear to be a (subly) veiled swipe at Dave Jones, who has not reacted well to such criticisms in the past with the likes of Darren Purse and Steve Thompson rebuked for airing their frustrations in public.

Hopefully, there is no rift behind the scenes and there was an innocent reason for Gabor to be missing. Personally, I feel he is not far away from a re-call at all and I would have been very tempted to drop Hudson for Gyepes. However, Dave Jones is very loyal to players and gives them chances to atone for errors - an attribute Gyepes benefited from last season when he lost from and Darren Purse couldn`t get a look-in. Normally, only injury or suspension prompts Jones to change his defence and in fairness we are flying high at present and un-enforced changes seem un-necessary.

We`ll keep an interesting eye on the teamsheet for next week`s clash against Nottingham Forest.

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