IS AARON RAMSEY READY TO MANAGE CARDIFF CITY?

Aaron Ramsey has become a hot-topic for conversation regarding becoming the permanent manager at Cardiff City, but is the 34 year-old ready? After an illustrious playing career, we'll be diving deeper on whether Rambo is ready to take that next step.

Wales captain Aaron Ramsey.

At the time of writing Aaron Ramsey is currently the bookies favourite to permanently replace Omer Riza. The 34 year-old has been a consistent candidate throughout the process, and is one that has caused a mixed reaction from City supporters, with plenty of pros and cons to Ramsey getting the permanent gig.

One of our Own:

Aaron Ramsey knows Cardiff City inside out, he knows exactly what it means to represent Cardiff and wear that Bluebird with pride. Whilst on first impression that may not seem crucial for a manager, if you're trying to get the fight and DNA back into the football club, it definitely is.

Ramsey grew up a Bluebird and will know the expectation that is put on the manager and player by supporters, and will know the expectation that City supporters expect on the pitch. Cardiff can find no better if they're looking for someone with a deep-routed connection to the football club to lead them into the future.

Knows the Issues:

Ramsey can get straight to work regarding fixing the issues, as he already knows and has experienced them. Having been a team mate to these players for seven months of the season, Rambo knows these players very well. He will know those who either reach or don't reach the standard required.

This give him a head-start compared to other candidates that may give those a fresh chance, having already disappointed massively last season. Ramsey can go in and build on those players who deserve to wear the shirt every week and genuinely understand the meaning of playing for the club.

Tactical Knowledge from Top Levels:

Rambo has already been touted to succeed in management by the likes of Craig Bellamy, this is because of his deep tactical knowledge of football. Ramsey has learnt from the best with Arsene Wenger, Massimiliano Allegri, Maurizio Sarri, Unai Emery, Andrea Pirlo among those Ramsey has played under.

This means Ramsey knows what the elite looks like, and has had a front-row seat to elite tactical setups, and these managers will of course have influence on how Rambo operates and sets up his team. It also means the 34 year-old will install a very high standard and expectation from his side.

Long-Term Visionary Potential:

Aaron Ramsey brings a fresh long-term idea to Cardiff City. Per Dafydd Pritchard, if Ramsey were to get the job, it has been suggested the club would need to revamp its structure. Again, it comes back to Ramsey being at the elite level for so long, Rambo knows what an elite and successful structure looks like, and he will put that in place.

The 34 year-old represents the modern option for Cardiff, and could drag City into modern-day football, and finally give the club a real identity, on and off the pitch, and who better to do that than someone who cares so deeply and has enjoyed so much success at such a high level?

Lack of Managerial Experience:

Whilst I don't necessarily see this as a massive issue, it has to be highlighted. Rambo has just three games to his name, picking up two draws and one loss. The 34 year-old will be up against seasoned-managers who have hundreds and hundreds of games under their belt.

It represents a massive risk for Cardiff City, especially when they have experienced choices on the table. The Bluebirds may opt for someone with a track record of getting out of this division, therefore Rambo wouldn't seriously be considered. Are Cardiff in a position to take such a risk and gamble?

Ramsey would need Time:

Ramsey would need time, something Cardiff aren't exactly prone to giving managers. Because of the lack of long-term planning at the football club, City consistently focus on short term goals and success, therefore if Rambo were to start slowly, pressure will begin to mount, however fair or unfair that is.

A poor managerial spell could damage both his reputation and relationship with the club permanently. My fear is that he needs time that he wouldn't get under this unforgiving environment that is Cardiff City.

Is it Too Soon?

Cardiff fans expect The Bluebirds to come down with a bang and really start by setting out a statement to the division. Rambo will understandably need a while to adapt to his new role, therefore City might have a slower start. The pressure that will be put on Ramsey's shoulders will be massive, and there's a possibility he's not ready for that as a manager yet.

Ramsey earned his UEFA A Licence in September 2024, therefore still hasn't completed his coaching badges yet. That's not a criticism, it just shows Rambo still has a little while to go before completing his badges, something he can continue to do at Cardiff without having to have the pressure of leading the football club. The 34 year-old can continue to do his badges whilst being first team coach or having an involvement with the Academy for example, this means Rambo's transition into possibly becoming manager one day could be more gradual.

League One is unforgiving:

Aaron Ramsey has never experienced football below the Championship, therefore might not be as aware of the brutal and unforgiving nature of League One, and that could catch him out. League One is deceptively difficult, with countless 'big' clubs struggling to get out of there for some time.

It’s not Premier League-level technical play; it’s about grinding out points on cold Tuesday nights against teams like Burton, Stevenage and so on, It’s physical, direct, and results-oriented. Ramsey’s style and football knowledge might not immediately translate to success in that context.

Summary - Is Aaron Ramsey ready to manage Cardiff City?

I'm so mixed on this. Aaron Ramsey has all the credentials to become a top manager one day, and I'm so torn on whether now is the right time to start at that journey.

You could argue it's high risk, high reward, but are Cardiff in such a position to take such a high risk? I really don't know. Rambo is touted to achieve success in management, and I'd absolutely love that to be with Cardiff City.

So, I hate to sit on the fence, but I really don't know. It's one of them where the proof would be in the pudding.

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