Wigan Athletic star Cedric Kipre settling on and off the pitch
Cedric Kipre reckons being thrown in at the deep end has allowed him to make a huge splash at Wigan Athletic.
The big centre-back joined Latics from SPL outfit Motherwell just 24 hours before the opening-day victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
With Dan Burn having broken his foot the previous weekend, Kipre went straight into the starting line-up – and hasn’t looked back. A string of impressive performances alongside Chey Dunkley means boss Paul Cook will have a decision to make when Burn returns in the next fortnight.
And the Paris-born ace admits it’s been a whirlwind start to his Wigan career.
“I only trained with the team once before I made my debut against Sheffield Wednesday,” he said.
“I’d been told by the manager that I’d be playing, because of the injury to Dan Burn, so that was a big shock.
“But I also think this is the best way to get started, to get thrown in at the deep end.
“There was no time to get worried or nervous – I just had to get straight down to work.
“And it’s worked out well for me and for the team.”
With full-backs Reece James and Antonee Robinson also making their debuts on opening day, it meant a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of Dunkley, as the only surviving member of last season’s record-breaking rearguard.
And Kipre credits his central defensive colleague for helping him settle in on and off the pitch.
“I have a very good relationship with Chey both on and off the pitch, which helps with the partnership,” Kipre added.
“He has helped me so much since I arrived, right from day one we clicked and it is a natural bond we have.
“He tells me where to go, what to do when necessary, and I appreciate that guidance.”