Riza: Salech is ‘knocking down the door’
Omer Riza has stated that January acquisition Yousef Salech is “knocking down the door” for his first Championship appearance following a promising start to his career in a Bluebirds jersey.
It’s easy to say that striker additions in south Wales have been more hit than miss in recent years, but Salech has struck the ground running after joining from Swedish club Sirius in the midseason window.
The Danish-born striker currently has three goals in seven appearances, six of which have come off the bench, and is averaging one per 79 minutes. The most recent strike saw him grab on to Cian Ashford’s square ball and equalize against Bristol City in Saturday’s Severnside derby.
“He’s putting 100% pressure on Callum Robinson,” Riza stated after the match. “The problem I have is that we’re playing with one down the middle, and to play with two, you have to play 4-4-2 or 3-5-2.
“He’ll have his chance. Callum and him have a strong relationship, and they both know that the ninth spot is up for grab.
“It is pushing Callum, and Yousef is knocking at the door. I’m quite thrilled for him, and it’s a fantastic problem to have.”
Salech: Championship is hectic but I’m enjoying it
The man has settled in flawlessly in Wales, which is especially impressive given that he has been out of football since November.
And the 23-year-old admitted that, while the fixture schedule is significantly more frantic than he is accustomed to, he is embracing the challenge. Subscribe to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
“In Sweden, I wasn’t used to playing a game every four days, but it’s something I enjoy, and it was a big part in me wanting to come here was to play a lot of games,” according to him. “The training is a little different since we have so many games; I feel like it’s more personalized, which I really appreciate.
“I’m also settling in extremely well. I’m pleased and appreciative to everyone in the club who has greeted me warmly. The supporters, in especially, have been incredible. They give me so much energy and make me want to give back to them.”
Netting his first home goal in front of the Canton Stand, although a late equaliser against fierce rivals, is also a good approach to win over Bluebirds fans.
“Scoring at home is definitely something I’ve thought about,” he told me. “I wanted to score at home as soon as possible, but it took me until my third home game to accomplish so. I’m glad I got the goal today, and it’ll also help me get a point at home, which is the most important aspect.
“Every day, I come in eager to do my best, improve, and contribute to the team. I’m training well and getting adjusted to the game’s pace and tempo. I feel fantastic, and it’s all about keeping prepared and waiting for opportunities to arise in games.
“Some claim this is the hardest league in the world. After a month here, I’ve noticed that points don’t come for free, especially in this league. It’s about capitalising on other teams’ blunders.
“There’s a tough game every week, sometimes it’s two tough games in a week, but we’re doing a lot of good work and we just have to keep going and improve.”
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