Omer Riza states intention to keep Cardiff reins despite heavy defeat at Hull
Posted Sunday, September 29, 2024 by PA
Interim coach Omer Riza wants to be Cardiff’s next permanent manager after the Sky Bet Championship’s bottom side suffered a 4-1 defeat at Hull.
The Bluebirds are without a league win, without a boss and have suffered their worst start to a season in 94 years.
Riza said: “I want to be a head coach – I’ve made no secret of that.
“I’ve been ready for the last couple of seasons to step into a position like this.
“I’ve not just walked off a street. I’ve worked in coaching for the last 13 years and my time will come when it comes.”
Cardiff, who last Sunday sacked Erol Bulut, made an instant impact under Riza when Callum Robinson opened the scoring after 18 minutes.
But they self-destructed during a wretched first-half spell in which man of the match Bachir Belloumi scored twice in the 21st and 35th minutes.
Oscar Zambrano’s deflected strike after 51 minutes put clear water between the teams before Chris Bedia scored a penalty in added time.
Elaborating upon his future at the club, Riza said: “I’m taking each game and each training session as I can.
“I’ll act in a professional way and makes sure the boys keep working away and that the club is in the best position.”
On the heavy loss at the MKM Stadium, Riza added: “We approached the game in a positive way.
“We wanted bodies in advanced positions, and we wanted to be creative.
“I don’t think it was a 4-1 game – there was a really aggressive approach to our attacking and defensive play – but it was.
“But the details of when it counted, we faltered, and that’s something we can only work on over time.
“I have to remain positive. I still believe there’s something more to come as a team to really have another go.
“We need results now, but it takes time.
“Tuesday against Millwall is another massive game. We have to be on point otherwise it will be a difficult evening.”
Hull, who were celebrating their 120th anniversary, have now won back-to-back Championship games following a difficult start to the season.
Head coach Tim Walter was quick to highlight the impact of Belloumi but was far happier with the collective performance.
Belloumi’s first goal for the club was slightly fortuitous – he appeared to be crossing into the box – but the Algeria international’s dinked second was expertly taken.
Walter said: “He’s a good player. We know he’s good player and that he will score goals if he gets the assists.
“We have to stay calm with him and he has to confirm it all the team.
“Not one player can win a game. We have a good bench and they showed it.
“We need all of the players. That’s why we try to treat them players all the same and be one family.”
Walter added: “We showed that we are a good team and have a good mentality.
“We could have scored a few more, but we could have also conceded two goals more.
“I’m delighted not only with the result but with the performance as we showed we can win at home.
“Everybody’s happy about the birthday celebrations and the win.
“Their first goal was offside, but we have to accept it. But we showed how we can stick together and showed the will to win in an impressive way.
“How they kept their heads high was impressive and showed to everybody that the guys are sticking together and trying to create something here.”
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