Riza hopes for longer stay after 'honest' Tan talks
Omer Riza's only previous managerial role was at Leyton Orient
- Published
Cardiff City interim manager Omer Riza hopes his "honest" meeting with club owner Vincent Tan in Malaysia will help him stay in the job.
Riza, 45, made the whistle-stop journey to Kuala Lumpur last week, seeking clarity over his position having been in the temporary role since Erol Bulut's dismissal two months ago.
Cardiff have improved greatly during Riza’s nine games in charge but the former Watford coach’s future remains uncertain.
"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.
"I got there on Thursday, then met on Friday, had a good chat, really intriguing and it's great to see what Mr Tan's achieved in the course of his lifetime.
"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."
'I've loved every moment. I don't want it to stop'
When he was asked if his own position and future were discussed, however, Riza did not give much away.
"There's nothing to say on that other than the board will in due course speak to the media," he added.
"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 have been keen to explore all managerial options after sacking Bulut on 22 September following the Bluebirds’ worst start to a season in the club’s history.
Riza was installed to allow Cardiff to take their time in the search for a new boss, which has been led by chief executive Ken Choo.
But there was also a willingness to give Riza a chance to impress after the former Arsenal player made it clear he felt able to succeed in the job.
Despite a lack of frontline management experience, Riza has overseen a marked improvement in form and playing style, with 14 points collected from his nine games in charge.
There have been calls - including from former Cardiff and Wales striker Nathan Blake - for the club to make a swift decision, and Riza hopes that will be to keep him in post.
"I’ve loved every moment of it. I don’t want it to stop. The boys, the staff, the people around the club have been brilliant. We’ve achieve a lot in a short space of time," he said.
"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. 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 is in a good place."