Tony Pulis has hailed Cardiff City as a "massive club" capable of holding its own in the Premier League, but has cautioned that the Bluebirds must significantly raise their standards following promotion back to the Championship, according to BBC News.
The former top-flight manager, whose career spans lengthy spells in England's top division, believes Cardiff's stature and support base make it the kind of institution that belongs among the elite. However, having just emerged from a season in League One, Pulis stressed that returning to the second tier will present a far sterner test than the division they've left behind, and the club will need to elevate their performances accordingly to avoid another struggle.
While the BBC report doesn't detail specific tactical or squad concerns, Pulis's comments underline the scale of the challenge facing Cardiff as they attempt to rebuild momentum and re-establish themselves in the Championship after their drop down the pyramid. His remarks serve as both praise for the club's potential and a pointed reminder that ambition alone won't be enough to bridge the gap between leagues.