Cardiff board to hold talks with interim boss Riza

Cardiff City’s hierarchy will meet interim manager Omer Riza and other staff for talks at the weekend.

But Riza, who has overseen a dramatic improvement since stepping up when Erol Bulut was sacked, does not know whether this will mean a change in his current situation.

Chairman Mehmet Dalman will join chief executive Ken Choo in the capital before Saturday’s Championship encounter with Norwich City and they will hold discussions with Riza.

But the Cardiff boss, who has overseen a big upturn in fortunes with 11 points from his six games, said: “Regarding the position, that is down to the board to discuss. I am not being rude, but there is nothing more I can say.

“There are some meetings taking place with staff and board members in general, just to see how things are coming along. But in respect of the position, it's now with the board.”

He added: “I cannot comment on whether there will be talks regarding the position. It would be wrong of me to say anything that is not truthful.

“As far as I am concerned there are meetings about general things, staff, players, results. Hopefully we can move forward into the next game and get a good result.”

Cardiff goalkeeper Jack Alnwick has already said the Bluebirds players are “fully behind” Riza and want him to get the job permanently.

Owner Vincent Tan will make the final decision on whether to formally extend Riza’s tenure.

So far Cardiff have been happy for Riza to continue overseeing an improvement in their results. They are currently five games unbeaten.

Riza has made no secret of the fact he would like the job on a longer term basis.

But he has subsequently consistently refused to add to the speculation over his future, though he confirmed communication with the senior Cardiff figures had been good since he was appointed to as interim manager.

He said: “Communication is key to any elite environment. Those conversations have been taking place from the minute I have been taking the first team. Everything has been great in that respect."

He added: “The question will be asked and eventually it has to be dealt with, but it's not for me to over-elaborate on what or when it is going to be.”