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Riza 'doesn't know' how long he'll be Cardiff boss

Omer Riza
[Huw Evans Picture Agency]

Cardiff City interim manager Omer Riza does not know how long he will remain in charge – or when the Bluebirds might appoint a new permanent boss.

The former Watford coach took the reins on a temporary basis after Cardiff sacked Erol Bulut last month following the club’s worst start to a league season.

Although the Bluebirds remain bottom of the Championship table, Riza led them to their first win of the season on Tuesday as they beat Millwall 1-0 in his second game in charge.

Asked what the latest was regarding Cardiff’s managerial situation after the game, he said: "I don't know. I'm just getting on with my job.

“I'm really not thinking about it. This is a great club and a great opportunity with a great fanbase. And I think there's more to come.

"I think we have proved that over the last two games in a small space of time. I don't know any more information, I'd be lying if I told you anything. It's only what you see and hear and read, which can be difficult at times.

"But it's about remaining positive, making sure the boys are ready and the team is ready and we approach every game like we want to win it. That's a professional way of acting."

Riza joined Cardiff in the summer after spending almost six years at Watford, where he had been promoted to assistant first-team coach after several years in the club’s academy.

Before his first game in charge – Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Hull City – Riza said his time as interim manager of Cardiff was an “opportunity” he’s “got to take”.

Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman and chief executive Ken Choo were at Cardiff City Stadium for the Millwall game but they did not give Riza an update on the search for a new manager.

"They came in before the game, we sat down and had a chat,” Riza said.

“They wished me luck and wished the boys luck."