Bradford City boss Graham Alexander on why venturing into the 'unknown' is bringing out the best in Bantams - ahead of Cardiff test
VENTURING into the unknown - certainly in terms of recent years - is bringing out the best in League One success story Bradford City.
That's the message from manager Graham Alexander ahead of another marquee weekend appointment with second-placed City calling in at leaders Cardiff City on Saturday.
It's the Bantams' first fixture against a home Bluebirds side since.
Last weekend, Bradford produced an outstanding display and result to triumph in their first home derby in almost 19 years against Huddersfield Town and have taken a liking for beating some of the fancied sides in the third tier already this term, having also seen off Luton Town, Stockport County and Wycombe Wanderers.
Alexander said: "The incentive is the unknown challenges we’re getting. It’s not like we’ve been in this division for years.
"Look at last year and we’d have played against many of those teams season after season. You understand what’s coming your way.
"We’re just facing different challenges each week and enjoying it.
"That’s the best mentality a group of players can go into a game of football with. A real deep respect for all our opponents but no trepidation about feeling second best.
"It’s a big thing for us going into any game understanding that we deserve to be there. But you have to continue to earn that right and I think the players are doing that at a great level consistently week in, week out.
"The more the big games come along, the better our players handle them. They’ve got a thirst for these challenges.
"It’s a great place for a manager to be when you’re looking at your players and you know there’s a strong belief in there.
"You can hear them talk during the week and it’s not just words. It’s meant and there’s an intent behind it.
"It doesn’t make the challenge any easier but you’ve got to be up for it and I think that’s the case with our team.”
Beaten just once at league level so far in 2025-26, City will move to the summit if they triumph in the Principality, with their momentum in early-season having been very impressive thus far.
Alexander added: "There was an excitement getting promoted in the first place and throughout the summer when you’re recruiting players.
"It builds up and then you get into pre-season. Then the real stuff starts and if you’re winning games and beating clubs with bigger budgets and coming from higher levels, that just adds to the excitement of what’s potentially possible.
"We’ve got to keep the balance in our minds but never not enjoy the moment as well.”