Kadioglu: We have to manage games better in future

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New signing marked second appearance with what proved to be winning goal against Wolves.

2024-09-19T22:30+01:00

Ferdi scored to make it 3-1 on the night, before Wolves scored late on to make it 3-2. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

Ferdi Kadioglu was delighted to score his first Albion goal in the 3-2 victory over Wolves and happy that it helped send the club through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

The Turkey defender, on as a late substitute for Yankuba Minteh, pounced to give Albion a 3-1 lead in front of the North Stand after Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa could only parry a shot from fellow sub Danny Welbeck.

“Yes, I think it was an important goal,” he said. “The last [Wolves] goal was unnecessary. We have to manage the game better, just hit the ball long. It can happen, we have to learn from it but most important is that we go to the next round.”

He conceded that his strike had not been as spectacular as Carlos Baleba’s opener or Simon Adingra’s 31st-minute shot.

Danny Welbeck's shot was saved by Jose Sa, but Ferdi Kadioglu was there to poke home. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

“Ha, a goal’s a goal,“ he said. “They are of the same importance. Of course I would like to have a nicer goal but for me it doesn’t matter, my first goal and I opened my account.”

Ferdi also explained why he wasn't in contention to start the match, as he seeks to build up his minutes in the team.

“I had a little injury last week. After the game [against Ipswich] I had some pain in my groin so I was not able to play a lot of minutes today, but for sure I was ready for a couple of minutes. I think I got ten minutes today and one goal - not bad!”

He hopes to play a bigger part on Sunday as Albion look to get back to winning ways at home to Nottingham Forest after the frustrating goalless draw against the Tractor Boys.

The Turkey international scored his first goal for Albion in the 3-2 win over Wolves. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

“If you lose points another match very fast is a new chance to win points again so we have to be ready for Nottingham, prepare well, have a good game plan and we will be ready for sure.”

But where might he play? In his two substitute appearances so far, head coach Fabian Hurzeler has sent him on at left back and as a right-sided attacker. “The last three years I’ve played a lot on the left side or on the right side full back position but if the coach wants to use me in front I’m also able to do that,” he said.

“Today I played in a different position from the last game, as a right winger, just played according to the plan. He didn’t tell me to score, but I scored a goal so I think he was also happy with that.”

Ferdi Kadioglu joined Albion from Fenerbahce in the summer. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

Ferdi, who was born and brought up in the Netherlands although of Turkish ancestry, confirmed that he is beginning to feel at home in the club and the city. “Yes, the players are very nice,” he said. “They are helping me very well, a lot of Dutch players so it makes it easier for me to settle in.

“The facilities are amazing, the food, the pitches, the gym, the medical staff, you’ve got a nice spa so there’s everything. I found my house, so I’m waiting for the furniture to settle everything in. So for now it’s good, yes.”