Omer Riza expresses gratitude to fans following his father’s death as new signing Yousef Salech shines in a dramatic match
Cardiff: Omer Riza, the Cardiff City manager, is feeling a mix of pride and gratitude. His team pulled off a stunning comeback against Millwall, earning a late equalizer that capped off a tough week for him.
After falling behind early in the game, things looked grim for the Bluebirds. They were down 2-0 within the first 20 minutes. But then, Chris Willock scored just before halftime, giving them a glimmer of hope. The real hero, though, was new signing Yousef Salech, who scored a dramatic equalizer in the dying moments of the match.
This was Salech’s first goal for Cardiff after joining from Sweden, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The fans were buzzing after a recent win in the South Wales derby, and this draw kept their spirits high as the team climbed to 19th in the Championship.
Riza was over the moon with his players’ performance. He acknowledged that they made it tough for themselves early on but praised their resilience. He noted how the emotional toll of the previous game might have affected them initially.
He was particularly impressed with Salech, who had missed a chance just before scoring. Riza admitted he was worried it might not be Salech’s night, but the way he finished was fantastic. Riza hopes this will boost Salech’s confidence and help the team as they fight to avoid relegation.
This week has been especially hard for Riza, who lost his father just days before the derby. The fans showed their support during the match, singing a heartfelt tribute. Riza expressed how much that meant to him and how the connection with the fans has been a source of comfort during this tough time.
He reflected on the importance of being around his players, saying they help lift his spirits. While nothing can replace his father, the support from the fans and the team’s performance have made a difference.
