Sabri Lamouchi believes a draw against Stoke City was a fair result for Cardiff City and is happy with their four-point haul over the last four days which has pushed them closer to Championship safety.
The Bluebirds went behind early courtesy of a Josh Laurent goal, but hit back through Sory Kaba. Kaba would go on to miss a penalty in the second half, perhaps leaving City fans a little disappointed their team is now not two points better off.
Asked if he was happy with a point, Lamouchi said: "Yes, of course. It's better than nothing. A few weeks ago, it was terrible for us. Sunderland, no points, Swansea, no points. So, today, the performance and the result, I'm happy with the point, but probably my players deserved three points.
"We can say after the second half and the penalty we were better in the game. When you start the game and the first corner, first goal. But both teams, we saw not a lot of energy, but six games in three weeks is terrible for them.
"We have three games to play and we will play to get maximum points until the end. We have an interesting game, a direct confrontation, behind. But we have one more game, a game against Rotherham on Thursday night.
"It'll be tough because we play eight o'clock on Thursday there and then 12 o'clock Sunday here. Huddersfield are waiting 10 days without a game."
On the penalty miss, Lamouchi said: "This is part of football. He scored one more goal, an important goal for us and he can be the man of the game. But maybe more with a penalty.
"I am happy with the performance and happy with the boys. Like I said to them, get a rest now and we will go to Rotherham to try and do our best game by game."
Jaden Philogene was the man who won the penalty, making an instant impact after being brought on in the second half. He looked sharp and was a problem for the Stoke back line.
And Lamouchi admitted it would have been too risky for the Aston Villa loanee, who missed the Watford game with a knee injury, to start the game, but "made the difference" and altered the momentum of the game after his introduction.
Asked if his omission from the starting lineup was simply a selection call, Lamouchi said: "It was not tactical. We were probably happy to have him back with us - he made the difference immediately. But to start, it was probably risky.
"Every day I have a bad surprise and players have problems. We have to manage and check day after day, game after game.
"Because, tired or not tired, I have to put the best team to get the best result and the maximum points. We are close to the end, three games."
One point of negativity to come from the game was when Ryan Allsop went down in the second half and was forced to be withdrawn. Lamouchi revealed it was an adductor injury and Allsop could even miss the final three games of the campaign.
"He has a pain in his adductor, but with Jak [Alnwick] we have an experienced goalkeeper so we don't have a problem," he said.
On whether he would be out for the season, the manager replied: "Probably, but as you know I am not a doctor, so we will have to check tomorrow,
"But after six games in three weeks it is a lot for the players, they are all tired. All teams are in the same situation, it is like this in the Championship, it is terrible."
Four points this week, though, puts Cardiff in a healthier position, four points above the drop zone and with a game in hand over those below them.
On his club's current situation, the Frenchman said: "I prefer to be where I am, of course. We have three games to play and we need to think game by game and to try to get points. The points are so important, especially now."
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Cardiff City 1-1 Stoke City: Bluebirds forced to settle for point after Sory Kaba penalty miss
