By David Williams
Omer Riza is promising “a fresh approach” with more fight, more energy and hopefully more goals from bottom of the table Cardiff City.
Riza is the last man standing from Erol Bulut’s coaching team after Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan pulled the trigger on firing Bulut after last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Leeds United.
The 44-year-old Londoner came into the club in the summer when Bulut was offered a new two-year deal and six league games into the season has been given the task of steering the side through yet another managerial change.
“It’s disappointing when this happens and we just have to get on with it,” said Riza, who had a seven game spell in charge of Leyton Orient in 2017.
“We’ve not had the results we’ve wanted, so there has to be a certain element of change. When things like this happen there is an element of bounce-back from the players.
“They’ve all been buoyant and front-footed in terms of coming forward and training sessions have been motivated. We’re in a good place.”
https://twitter.com/BBCSportWales/status/1839398207467741269
Under Bulut, the Bluebirds picked up only one point in their first six games in what has been the worst start for the Welsh capital club in 94 years. They have only managed one goal in those half-dozen games.
“I’m an attack-minded coach, so making sure we have bodies in areas to be able to attack and cause problems to the opposition is important. We need an element of control and to not be stationary,” said Riza.
“We haven’t had enough bodies in forward areas over the last six games and we’ve been timid with our pressing. Hopefully, the way we will be approaching the Hull game will give us more going forward.
“There’s a fresh approach with an attacking mentality. We want to create more chances by potentially playing a new system.”
Omer Riza takes 6-9 points from the next 3 games, do you give him the job?#bluebirds
— Cardiff Matchworn Shirts (@ccfcmatchworn) September 26, 2024
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Republic of Ireland’s Callum Robinson is backing in full training and available to return up front for the trip to Hull, along with another front runner in Yacou Meite.
Riza has been given the title of interim manager, rather than caretaker, and admits he would like to be considered as a candidate for the permanent position.
“I gave my best for Erol and unfortunately we didn’t get the results. There is never that thought, but I’m getting to the point in my career now that if you get the opportunity you’ve got to take it.
“I have worked really hard. I had a really good playing career, I played for 17 years. I’ve been managed by some great coaches, Don Howe, Arsene Wenger, Harry Redknapp, not to mention the coaches I’ve played under abroad. Culturally, I have learnt a lot as a coach.
“As a coach, I have worked in academy football, with youngsters and players throughout the leagues. I have worked non-league, grassroots, a first-team coach, head coach at Leyton Orient. I’ve done the groundwork and I’ve worked really hard to get to this point. I’m ready to take on whatever challenges are in front of me.”
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