Cardiff City manager Omer Riza has confirmed that he will have the funds available to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window.
Having been officially appointed as the club’s permanent manager on Thursday, Riza is now focusing on improving the team and ensuring that Cardiff move away from the relegation zone.
Riza, who had been serving as interim manager since September following Erol Bulut’s departure, has guided Cardiff to a mixed set of results, with the club earning 16 points from his 12 matches in charge. Under his leadership, Cardiff has shown progress, particularly in terms of adopting a more progressive style of play. However, recent form has been a concern, with the team failing to win in their last five matches and sitting just two points clear of the Championship relegation zone.
January Transfer Window
Looking ahead to the January transfer window, Riza emphasized that recruitment plans are already underway.
“Conversations are ongoing in respect of a longlist and a shortlist of players and recognising where the weaknesses are we have in the squad, and how we need to replenish or replace players to make sure that, come January, we are taking the team to another level,” Riza explained. “If we need to strengthen, I’m sure we will be given the opportunity to do so.”
Despite the recent dip in form, Riza remains optimistic about his ability to guide Cardiff away from the relegation zone and secure a more stable position in the league.
“I’d like to think that if things go really well and we performed to levels that we’re all expected to, then obviously those conversations will all take place further down the line,” he added. “But for me the immediate concern now is that we keep progressing, we keep performing and, yes, maybe things will happen in January as well.”
Riza’s first challenge will be Saturday’s match against Watford, a club where he previously worked. He is eager to prove what the Hornets are missing since his departure and is motivated to put on a good performance in front of their supporters at the Cardiff City Stadium.
“It’ll be an extra boost for me. It’s a really important game. I was there for a long time and I know a lot of people there and older players and staff,” Riza said.
Writer’s View
Omer Riza’s appointment as Cardiff City’s permanent manager has brought a sense of stability to the club, but the team’s recent struggles underscore the need for reinforcements in January. Riza’s pragmatic approach, coupled with the backing to strengthen the squad, suggests that Cardiff can still turn their season around.
