Omer Riza maintains he is ‘right person’ to keep Cardiff City up

“If they [the board] feel someone could come in and save Cardiff from going down and do a better job than me, then I’m happy for that to happen.

“But I don’t believe that’s the case, I believe I’m the right person to do the job and that won’t change.”

After Friday’s trip to face the Blades, Cardiff face home games against Oxford United and West Bromwich Albion. They travel to Norwich City on the final day of the season.

Former assistant manager Riza – who stepped in to take over from Erol Bulut after he was sacked in September – had admitted after Saturday’s loss to Stoke City that he was uncertain over his future.

Five days on, Riza said he had not been given any assurances over his position, but added: “I’m not concerned. I’ve been given the job and until such a time I’m told differently I’ll continue to do my job to the best of my ability and that’s it.

“If I worry about speculation I’ll end up driving myself crazy and not do the job I’m here to do. I am sitting here and doing my job. I am making sure the players do the best of their ability on Friday.”

Riza says he has been in regular contact with the club’s Malaysian-based owner Tan, saying he has been grateful for some “words of wisdom” on managing situations over the course of the season and that he has taken on board some opinions, but that football decisions are left to him.

In his first permanent senior position, the former Arsenal player says he has been aware of the personal toll the role has taken, but believes he will be stronger for the experience and says there is plenty at the club to be positive about.

However, Riza accepts it is difficult to look beyond the current “serious, serious” position.

“There is pressure: the pressure of the position we are in, the pressure of fans being disgruntled and unhappy, the pressures of a club like this potentially going down to League One. These are genuine pressures I have to deal with,” he said.

“But I am manager and these are pressures you need to deal with and take on board.

“Unfortunately you have to go through moments like this to become better and be the best version of yourself. It’s a tough position and I’m not shirking the challenge. That won’t change right until the end.”

He added: “I’m the manager of the team and I take full responsibility for everything we’re doing – and hopefully I’ll be taking full responsibility when we stay up.”