Published: Thursday, 20th November, 2008 12:00
Cisse loving Royals life
By Charles Watts
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Kalifa Cisse is now feeling at home in Berkshire
WHEN Kalifa Cisse rifled home his stunning goal in Reading’s 4-1 win at Bristol City earlier this month Steve Coppell jokingly compared the strike to one of Roberto Carlos’ many sensational efforts.
But now Cisse has added another superb goal to his tally his manager may have to start thinking of other world superstars to compare him to.
The central midfielder is not known for his scoring exploits but his calm side-footed effort after four minutes at Bramall Lane last weekend was one that Kaka or Lionel Messi would have been proud of.
The 24-year-old Mali international admits it is rare for him to score, let alone twice in three games, so he enjoyed his manager’s comparison between himself and the famous Brazilian left-back.
He said: “Yes it was nice but the difference is Roberto Carlos will shoot 10 times and score probably eight or nine but me, I’ll shoot 100 times and score probably once.
“Goals are not my speciality but when I can score it’s a bonus and if the team wins it’s very good for me.”
Cisse’s recent goal glut is just another example of his growing influence on the side. Along with James Harper the pair have been vital to Reading’s success in the last few weeks.
He admits he now feels better than he ever has done since arriving in England but he puts a lot of that down to the fact the side is not struggling down at the bottom of the league.
He said: “When I arrived I had some injuries and when I came on in games the team was losing. But now the team is winning and we are in a good moment, it’s much easier for me.
“It’s different when you’re playing for the last positions than when you’re playing for the top positions.
“The atmosphere of the team is different, the training is different. Everybody is happy, there’s not as big pressure and everyone is comfortable.”
With the likes of Brynjar Gunnarsson and Jem Karacan waiting in the wings Cisse knows he can’t afford to let his form drop if he wants to stay in the team.
He added: “We have many good midfield players. Every player has their moment and their opportunity and at the moment it’s mine but it’s very difficult to stay in this team.”
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