Gabriel Osho: ‘Rollercoaster’ start to life at Cardiff only fuels ambition

Osho played 21 times in all competitions for Auxerre having joined the top-flight French team when his Luton contract expired in July 2024.

Returning to the EFL with Cardiff 13 months later he says he would not have joined “any other team in League One”.

Dropping from Ligue 1 to England’s third tier may be perceived as a step down – but Osho insists it was still a challenge.

“The intensity is really good,” he said.

“When I came here it was intense especially the training sessions. It’s a bit more of a chess game, a bit slower in France.”

This intensity has driven competition, particularly in central defence where Dylan Lawlor, Callum Chambers, Will Fish and Osho are all vying to start.

“I don’t think I’ve been in a team where there is so much competition for one position,” Osho added.

“It keeps everyone hungry and fresh. You know you have to perform 100% or the manager won’t pick you. It makes training really competitive.”

A major attraction to Cardiff was the opportunity to work again with Barry Murphy, having played under the former Manchester City academy coach during a 22-match loan spell at Rochdale.

“It’s like he’s a coach but also a friend,” Osho explained.

The Irishman was also influential in helping Osho settle into life in south Wales, having himself only joined the club as manager last summer.

“We had honest conversations about what he thought and how I was feeling. They were really helpful,” the defender added.

For his part Barry-Murphy remains unwavering in his belief in Osho.

“I signed him because he has something completely different,” the Cardiff boss said.

“He defends the goal for his life that’s why we brought him to the club.”