By Gareth James
Omer Riza appears happy enough with his trip to Malaysia to meet Vincent Tan – even though he did not return with a signed contact as the new permanent Cardiff City manager.
Instead, Riza remains in interim charge of the Bluebirds as they prepare to face Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Saturday lunchtime.
Riza, who stepped into the role following Erol Bulut’s departure in September, has guided the team from one to 15 points in nine matches.
A worthwhile trip for Omer Riza.
The Cardiff City interim manager says he hopes his “honest” meeting with Vincent Tan in Malaysia will help him stay in the job. #BBCFootball #CCFC pic.twitter.com/xY3Aj3jY0e
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) November 21, 2024
However, questions surrounding his long-term position remain unanswered, despite his upbeat report on his visit to see the owner.
“For me, it was really important we met face to face. We’ve spoken a lot on the phone,” said Riza.
“It was important for me he asked me to go over there. It wasn’t easy [in terms of travel], but we’ve done it. The conversations were very respectful and honest. I’m glad I went.”
Riza detailed his whirlwind schedule, flying to Kuala Lumpur shortly after Cardiff’s friendly game against Brentford.
“I got there on Thursday, then met on Friday, had a good chat, really intriguing, and it’s great to see what Mr. Tan has achieved in the course of his lifetime,” he said.
“I left Saturday night and got back Sunday morning. It was a tough week with travel, but worthwhile in meeting Mr.
Tan face to face, enjoyed it, and came back and got ready for Monday.”
Although Riza confirmed that discussions about his future occurred, he would not reveal details or confirm whether he thinks he will keep the job, long-term.
“There’s nothing to say on that, other than the board will in due course speak to the media. But it was a really good trip, and I’m happy to have done it, to go out there and show what my intentions were.”
Cardiff’s performances haveimproved significantly since Riza took the helm, despite the uncertainty surrounding his position.
The Bluebirds’ recent form saw them briefly hold ambitions of play-off contention based on a six-game form guide, although back-to-back losses before the break pushed them back down the table.
Despite those setbacks, Riza remains optimistic about the direction of the team.
“I’ve loved every moment of it. I don’t want it to stop,” he said.
“The boys, the staff, the people around the club have been brilliant. We’ve achieved a lot in a short space of time.”
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Riza also spoke candidly about expectations, cautioning against unrealistic demands.
“We’re not going to win every game. The best teams in the league are not winning every game, so why are we expected to? There shouldn’t be that expectation,” he said.
“Obviously we want to win and be champions and go up to the Premier League, but, I’ve said it all along, it’s the process that’s important.
“I stick by that, and I believe my processes have been spot on, hence why the performances have been as they are. Camaraderie and morale are in a good place.”
The uncertainty over Riza’s position means there is also little clarity over who is driving activity on the transfer front with the January window looming.
“There’s always going to be an element of the club doesn’t stop working,” he said.
“There are people working behind the scenes when it comes to talking with agents, talking with players.
“I will never stop having conversations with players day to day because it’s important we’re focused on the next game and winning matches.
“I have to make sure everyone’s morale is in a good place in order to perform, and I feel that is the case. Moving forward, the club will divulge that information.”
