Omer Riza: Boss says Cardiff ‘nervous’ but confident of survival

Riza became manager in daunting circumstances, initially on an interim basis after Erol Bulut was sacked last September following Cardiff’s worst start to a league season in their history.

A former Watford coach whose only previous English Football League managerial experience was a short and unsuccessful stint at Leyton Orient, Riza oversaw a significant initial improvement and was eventually handed a contract last December to make him Cardiff boss until the end of this season.

Given how long and drawn out those talks were, former players and fans were critical of club owner Vincent Tan, chairman Mehmet Dalman and chief executive Ken Choo for the lack of clarity surrounding Riza’s future.

Supporters have since taken to the streets to protest about the board’s running of the club but Riza, unsurprisingly, defended his employers.

“All the conversations I’ve had with the board, whether it be Vincent Tan, Ken or Mehmet, the focus is on us getting the job done and putting the club in a good light,” he said.

When asked about the club’s managerial instability and perceived lack of long-term planning, Riza added: “A bit of stability is key to a club, knowing there’s a plan there that can be really looked at and people can see ‘this might happen’ and think ‘there’s a plan in place’, whether that’s a style of play or type of player.

“Those sorts of things could be improved moving forward, in terms of trying to improve the club.”

Although the team’s performances have been better than they were during the dismal early few weeks of the season under Bulut, Cardiff have never pulled themselves clear of the bottom three.

Riza was close to becoming the 14th Bluebirds manager to depart under Tan, only to be saved by last month’s win at Blackburn Rovers.

However, a disappointing draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday last weekend increased the pressure again.

On Saturday Cardiff travel to 15th-place Queens Park Rangers – who have picked up just one point in their past five matches – before visiting Preston on Tuesday.

“We’ve got a game coming up this weekend and it’s one we need to win,” said Riza.

“QPR, if they lose on Saturday, are within two points of us. Our aim is to pick up points to stay out of the bottom three.

“Of course it’s paramount we stay up. Of course I want to stay here, it’s a massive club and I’ve loved every minute here. But we’ve got to look at what’s in hand and that’s to survive.”