Cedric Kipre | Praise for Kal Naismith.
Defender talks about the success of three centre backs against Leeds United.
Kipre says experience playing alongside Chey Dunkley has helped him to express leadership qualities.

Speaking on episode 19 of the club's podcast, Latics Listen, and as part of his interview in the match day programme for our derby day clash with Preston North End on Saturday, Cedric Kipre explained how he's adapted to become more of a leader on the pitch, as well as praising both of his defensive partners from Leeds United:

“I have definitely noticed myself leading more," the defender said.

"Since the day against West Brom when we had no central defenders and Naisy (Kal Naismith) came into the defence, I knew I had to step up and lead because I was the more experienced centre back.

“He’s got the nickname ‘Kaldini’ from the fans. He’s been good for us in defence and his confidence is really high as a result.

“Kal’s doing well for the team and I’m very happy for him because he wasn’t playing many games at the start of the season. Now he’s playing as a centre back and doing really well.

“It’s a huge quality in Naisy’s game to be able to play in a number of different positions. I would never expect a forward player to be able to play centre back, left back maybe, but not centre back. He’s taken to it really well, which is an example of how good he is for us.

“I had to speak more and talk to Kal about our partnership when he first came into the defence. When I have played with Chey (Dunkley), he is a natural leader from a central position and he speaks all of the time, so I made sure that I used what I had learned from Chey in that situation. I think learning from Chey has helped me a lot.”

All three of you played against Leeds United, how was that experience as a defensive unit?

“It was very good. We worked hard to make sure we kept the best shape possible to keep Leeds out. We stopped them from getting as many bodies into the box and we forced them wide so that we could attack the crosses and stop the opportunities.

“The three of us at the back get on really well, on and off the pitch as well, so there’s that natural relationship between us.”

"He's got the nickname 'Kaldini' from the fans." | Cedric Kipre on Kal Naismith