Cardiff players want Riza to get job, says Alnwick
Cardiff City’s players are “fully behind” interim manager Omer Riza and want him to get the job permanently, says goalkeeper Jak Alnwick.
Riza has overseen a huge improvement since Erol Bulut was sacked last month, taking 11 points from his six games in charge whereas Bulut had picked up only one point from the previous six.
Saturday’s creditable goalless draw at West Bromwich Albion means Cardiff are unbeaten in five matches, but Riza has not been told how long he will remain in post.
“I don’t run the football club but, if you ask the players, we love Omer," Alnwick told BBC Sport Wales when asked if he wanted Riza to stay.
“You can see the way we play for him, you can see the results, but it’s the owner who makes the decision and pays the wages.
“The lads are fully behind Omer.”
Cardiff’s clean sheet at West Brom was their third in succession, having failed to keep one before Bulut’s departure.
The Bluebirds have also been transformed in attack under Riza, scoring 10 goals in six games after managing just one in their previous six.
“From where we’ve been to where we are now is night and day,” Alnwick added.
“He’s come in and he’s been brilliant. He’s had his own ideas and worked alongside the old manager, seen things that weren’t quite working, tweaked a few things and given the lads confidence.
“Playing under him is probably the most confident I’ve ever felt. Man management, the way he talks to players on and off the field… For me, he’s been brilliant. I don’t think Omer’s getting enough credit. He’s been amazing.”
