In an exclusive interview with Football Park, Cardiff City manager Omer Riza shared his thoughts on the challenges of his role, the team’s current form, and his long-term vision for the club.

"Loving Every Minute of It"
Despite the immense pressures of leading a Championship club, Riza remains passionate and committed. “I’m loving every minute of it,” he revealed. “I’ve worked really hard to get to this point in my career. Obviously, it’s challenging, especially given where we started and where we are now.”

Cardiff’s season got off to a disastrous start, with poor performances and disappointing results. However, Riza’s appointment as interim manager sparked a positive turnaround, leading to an impressive spell of form that raised hopes within the club.

Recently, though, results have dried up, and the team has struggled to maintain that early momentum. “These are the times when, as a coach and manager, you need to stand up, be counted, and show that you’ve got what’s needed to get out of these problems,” he said confidently, acknowledging the current challenges.

Injuries, Youth, and Squad Dynamics
The squad’s injury crisis has been a significant hurdle, with as many as 10-11 players unavailable at times. Riza remains realistic about the situation. “It’s not an excuse, but it is part and parcel of the game,” he explained. Balancing the contributions of experienced players and younger talents has also been a key focus.

“We’ve got young players who are starting to play regular football, and it’s catching up to them,” Riza noted. “But everyone in the squad, young or old, has a part to play.”

One standout talent he highlighted was Michael Reindorf, a promising young player whose development has been slowed by injury. “He’s got lots of energy and a willingness to run, which are great qualities,” Riza said. “He’s still learning, but he’s part of the future here.”

“Lessons from Abroad” Reflecting on his time coaching and playing in Turkey, Riza shared how those experiences have profoundly influenced his managerial philosophy. “Working in Turkey was an eye-opener,” he said. “The passion for football there is unmatched, and it taught me how to navigate intense pressure and expectations. It was in Turkey that I learned the importance of building strong relationships with players and fans alike, even in the most challenging circumstances. Those lessons are at the core of how I lead Cardiff today.”

A Transparent Approach with Fans
Riza acknowledges the frustrations of fans but emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity. Reflecting on a particularly poor performance against Preston, he admitted, “It was not good enough, and I’ll be the first to admit that.”

He stressed that, although results have been disappointing in recent weeks, most performances earlier in the season were encouraging. “We’ve had some very good games, and the goal now is to build on those positives and pick up more points,” he said.

Experience and Leadership
Riza’s journey to Cardiff has been marked by hard work and diverse experiences, both at home and abroad. He is determined to bring those lessons to his current role. “This opportunity isn’t something I’ve been handed—I’ve earned it,” he said.

He also challenged the notion that only “big names” can succeed in management, citing Cardiff’s history with high-profile appointments that didn’t always deliver lasting success. For Riza, success is rooted in hard work, unity, and continuous improvement.

Planning for the Future
With tough fixtures on the horizon, Riza remains optimistic about Cardiff’s ability to rise to the occasion. “The boys and staff are in a positive place,” he said. “We’re focused on climbing the table, fixing the negatives, and building on the positives.”

Addressing potential transfer activity, Riza assured fans that the club is exploring all options to strengthen the squad. Whether through loans, permanent signings, or nurturing talent from within, he expressed confidence in the club’s direction.

A Vision for Unity
Riza’s ultimate aim is to bring all parts of the Cardiff City community together. “It’s a big job because it feels quite segregated at times,” he admitted. “But I’m here to fight, and I’ll never back away from that responsibility.”

As Cardiff City navigates a challenging season, Omer Riza’s passion and dedication stand out. For him, the road ahead is about resilience and belief. “I’ve faced tough times in my career and always come through. That’s how I’ll always be, and I’ll make sure everyone with me has the same mindset.”

This is a manager ready to take on every challenge, driven by a relentless determination to succeed." also make up a quote regarding Omer's time in Turkey, and how it shaped his managerial career