Neil Harris has dismissed suggestions that he is “Neil Warnock Mark II” after being unveiled as Cardiff’s new manager.
Warnock’s three-year stay with the Bluebirds came to an end last week and former Millwall boss Harris has been labelled as having similar principles based on direct football to his 70-year-old predecessor.
“I think people are referring to the club I was at previously and the way we played,” said Harris, who revealed Warnock had sent him a text congratulating him on his appointment.
“I was at Millwall who demand getting the ball forward quickly and have physical attributes to the game. Some of those principles I will stick to, but I want to adjust because of how I am as a coach.
“I don’t think there is a Neil Warnock Mark II. He’s his own man and I’m respectful towards that. I also have to be respectful of the players I’ve got and we can’t change overnight.
“There has to be a process to that and it takes time. It is not going to be revolution overnight. I just want to change the culture as we go along, try and build some confidence in the group.”
Harris is Vincent Tan’s seventh manager since the controversial Malaysian businessman bought the Sky Bet Championship club in May 2010.
Tan is notoriously demanding over performances and results, with Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman saying last week that the owner wanted a side who would have “35 shots on goal” during matches.
“I’ve certainly not made any promises about making 35 shots a game,” laughed Harris. “I don’t know if it’s possible to have 35 shots per game!
“We want to play attack-minded football, press high and win it back high. There’s loads of ways to score goals.
“I’m big on set-plays, which has been a very successful avenue for the club given the players they’ve recruited over time.
“The owner and the board are rightly demanding of the football club and want to achieve. You have pressure to succeed from the fanbase and owners.”
Harris, who resigned as Millwall manager last month, has signed a deal until the summer of 2022.
The 42-year-old takes over with Cardiff 14th in the Championship following their Premier League relegation last season.
Harris managed Millwall for four years, winning promotion to the Championship in 2017, but the former striker is remembered in Cardiff for a 2004 loan spell which was cut short.
He joined Nottingham Forest in a move that did not go down well with fans at the time.
“I made a mistake not staying here longer,” Harris said. “I mean that in total respect to Nottingham Forest, but at the time I made a family decision for various reasons.
“It’s probably one of the only things I’ve really regretted in my footballing career so far.
“But I’m certainly proud and privileged to be sitting here. I have to win people over and I am prepared to do that.”
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