Cardiff City Leadership to Hold Talks with Interim Manager Riza

Omer Riza, a former Watford coach, is set to meet with Cardiff City’s hierarchy and other staff members this weekend for discussions. Riza, who assumed the interim manager role following Erol Bulut’s dismissal, has since overseen a notable improvement in the team’s performance. However, he remains uncertain whether these upcoming talks will lead to a change in his current situation. Chairman Mehmet Dalman and chief executive Ken Choo will be in the capital before Saturday’s Championship fixture against Norwich City to engage in discussions with Riza. The Cardiff boss, who has guided the team to a significant upturn in fortunes, securing 11 points from his six games, commented: “Regarding the position, that is down to the board to discuss. I am not being rude, but there is nothing more I can say.” He further explained: “There are some meetings taking place with staff and board members in general, just to see how things are coming along. But in respect of the position, it’s now with the board.” Riza added: “I cannot comment on whether there will be talks regarding the position. It would be wrong of me to say anything that is not truthful.” He concluded: “As far as I am concerned there are meetings about general things, staff, players, results. Hopefully we can move forward into the next game and get a good result.” Cardiff goalkeeper Jack Alnwick has previously stated that the Bluebirds players are “fully behind” Riza and wish for him to be appointed permanently. The ultimate decision on whether to formally extend Riza’s tenure will be made by owner Vincent Tan. To date, Cardiff has expressed satisfaction with Riza continuing to oversee an improvement in their results, with the team currently enjoying a five-game unbeaten streak. Riza has openly expressed his desire for the job on a longer-term basis. Nevertheless, he has consistently declined to contribute to speculation about his future, though he confirmed that communication with senior Cardiff figures has been positive since his appointment as interim manager. He stated: “Communication is key to any elite environment. Those conversations have been taking place from the minute I have been taking the first team. Everything has been great in that respect.” He also added: “The question will be asked and eventually it has to be dealt with, but it’s not for me to over-elaborate on what or when it is going to be.”