Ethan Horvath has “full support” of Erol Bulut heading into South Wales Derby

Cardiff City’s 5-0 hammering at the hands of EFL Championship leaders Burnley is one that American goalkeeper Ethan Horvath will want to forget immediately and although Horvath’s first-half error opened the floodgates at Turf Moor, he has the full backing from his manager.

Bluebirds manager Erol Bulut is planning to stick with Horvath for Sunday’s South Wales Derby at rivals Swansea City. The veteran shot-stopper’s lack of concentration led to an unfortunate own goal last week at Burnley, and eventually allowed Burnley to pad its lead throughout both halves.

Horvath joined Cardiff City last winter from Nottingham Forest, quickly grabbing the No. 1 job and not relinquishing it into the early stages of this season. The 29-year-old has made 18 appearances for the second-tier side, registering four clean sheets and making several important saves over his seven months in Wales.

After failing to win their opening two league matches of the EFL Championship season, pressure will be on Cardiff City to get back on track on Sunday afternoon. Swansea City will be confident coming into the match after earning a 3-0 victory over Preston North End for its first three points of the campaign.

Horvath will be hoping for a bounce-back performance in Swansea and a win over his biggest rival could be what gives the Colorado native a boost of confidence.

“With goalkeepers it’s always on the line. It’s not easy for goalkeepers for sure,” Bulut told reporters Thursday in his prematch press conference. “Ethan will have the full support of me. I cannot judge my player, Ethan, because of one mistake. We have to speak about how many goals he has saved for us. This has happened.

“We conceded a goal like this where the ball goes through his legs, this happens to the best goalkeepers in the world,” Bulut added. “I think he knows we still count on him and we are behind him. This week he will be in the goal against Swansea.”

Cardiff City has not won at Swansea City since 2021, losing each of its last three road trips.