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Reading FC midfielder Kalifa Cisse may leave the club in search of first-team football

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Cisse considers quitting Reading FC

By Jonny Fordham
December 01, 2009

Kalifa Cisse admits he may have to leave Reading in search of first-team football.

The battling midfielder has made just six league starts this season and a further three appearances off the bench under manager Brendan Rodgers.

And he admits that his situation isn’t ideal after he played regularly under former manager Steve Coppell in the Championship last season.

The Mali international explained: “I can’t say I like this situation and I have to think about my future.

“I’m competitive and I want to play regularly, not five or 10 minutes here and there.

“I am 25-years-old and I may need to look at my future. I played regularly last year and this season is different.

“I understand there is a new manager and I respect that, but I have to look at the options for my-self.”

Cisse continued: “I’m not in the team at the moment, but I want to play.

“I’ve been sitting on the bench and it’s not easy, it’s difficult for me right now.

“When you’re sitting on the bench you can only watch the players on the pitch.

“But you want to play and help them all. You have to just wait, train hard.”

The charismatic player’s chances have recently been limited further due to the impressive performances from Brian Howard and Marek Matejovsky in the centre of the pitch.

But with Howard now out for between four to six weeks, it could be Cisse’s big chance to stake a claim for the shirt.

“I’m not first choice right now,” said Cisse.

“Brian Howard has got a very bad injury and he has been playing very well.

“It’s not great for us as a team, but other players have to take the opportunity to take his place.

“There’s me, Bryn and Jem and we have to all step up if needed. The manager will make the best choice for the team and we all have to respect that choice.”

Cisse still has a year and a half to run on his Reading contract and is a popular figure among loyal Royals supporters.

His versatility is also another aspect that has impressed 36-year-old Rodgers who used him in his defence at the start of the season.

And Cisse added: “Since I have come to Reading I have played at centre-back and in midfield and I enjoy both of them.”

Rodgers also has Jay Tabb available to play in midfield, but the 25-year-old has been turned into a make-shift right-back of late and is likely he will continue his duties as part of Reading’s back four.

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it was 50k and murty had one for crewe,also i am lead to believe that was one of the stumbling blocks in the tommy smith saga. ryf, lots of players have appearance bonuses written into their contracts, some by the clubs and some at the request of the player to boost their salary, in the same way that they have large signing on fees when the basic salary is low, enabling them to get a mortgage in the area, or in the clubs position this enables a club to sign a player that may command a larger salary than a strict wage structure will allow, as these payments are either one off or not from the salary budget. these can usually used as a bargaining tool when trying to sign a player with either poor disciplinary or injury record to off set the gamble.

ajr111, swindon
03/12/2009 at 12:13

Saun Goater. We would have had to pay an appearance fee to Man City if he would have played one more game, I don't even think it was that large a fee.

Graham S
02/12/2009 at 23:56

My "appearance fee" was a bit of light hearted banter.

Incidently, I'm struggling to recall who it was, but a few years ago Reading didn't select a player because it triggered an appearance fee in his contract and shortly off loaded him on loan. Anyone remember who that was?

Also, as cynical as I am, I believe Harper (and maybe Rosenior) have sell on clauses in their contracts hence, the current "loan fee" deal, letting their contracts run out.

Thomas Jerome Newton, Reading
02/12/2009 at 21:18

Why do "supporters" continually go on about appearance fees? No such things exists. Usual salaries plus win bonuses maybe other bonuses for coming from behind and drawing, consecutive wins, clean sheets!

Anyway I would be disappointed if Cissé left but he's being honest and if an opportunity comes up to play first team football at the age of 25 then he'll leave with the best wishes of genuine Reading supporters, his goal away at Bristol City last season was simply magic. I still feel he has a lot to offer Reading and in a way is a younger version of Brynjar Gunnarsson where he can fill in a variety of positions on the pitch and never lets the team down.

All together now....Kalifa...

RYF, Royal County of Berkshire
02/12/2009 at 10:36

cisse should move on as there isnt really a place for him i wouldnt be suprised if we could get a fee for him? or will he just send him out on loan?

Monkity, Reading
02/12/2009 at 10:32

Funny thing I was thinking last night of the remaining 'old squad' members that are still at Reading but not getting a regular run-out, and how they are feeling about it. Karacan has now gone down in the order since he made his name as a deep midfielder and building from the back before BR changed to more of a long ball game (mind you he played a great pressing game against Wolves last year but Siggy seems now to fill that role better now), Gunnarson who has played some great games as the holding midfielder, but now is not up to a full game, and Cisse, who appeared to have pace but seemed to get caught with the ball in vunerable positions. If BR doesn't see them contributing in the future on a regular basis they would best be let go to get more football in elsewhere as all have done their bit for Reading. Of the 'regulars' last season, only Ing remains (Kebe and Mati are around but were not aprt of the team that had a good run) and he does not look so sharp now after his forced lay off. How things can chnage in such a short time. Be nice if we ever return to having a good run, in any league!!

Silver Royal, Woodley
02/12/2009 at 09:26

I agree not a major loss. If we were to ship anyone, he would be up there.

Big P, Reading
02/12/2009 at 08:30

in my humble opinion - he hasn't set the mad stad alight since arriving,another example of a player unable to fulfill his promise.although he has put in some excellent performances, they have been few and far between, so may be if we can get a good price for him it would free up a little funds and give br. some flexibility in the budget.

ajr111, swindon
01/12/2009 at 23:52

Wouldn't surprise me to see him "moved on". Also wonder if he has a high "appearance" fee written into his contract :-) hence his non appearance in the starting line up.

Sorry to be so cynical....